The City of Mount Rainier’s Department of Economic Development has been awarded a total of $298,800 in funding through the Maryland Department of Housing and Community Development’s (DHCD) grant program. These grants aim to assist small businesses and support local revitalization projects across the state. 

Governor Wes Moore announced that DHCD has awarded more than 16.2 million to 121 businesses, local governments, and place-based economic development organizations to catalyze community revitalization efforts. Mount Rainier is a recipient of two grants: the Project Restore 2.0 Grant and the Main Street Improvement Grant. 

In Prince George’s County, Mount Rainier joins the City of College Park and the Town of Cheverly as the Project Restore 2.0 grant recipients.  The City will utilize the $288,800 funding to activate vacant buildings in our downtown core.   

"This funding marks a pivotal moment for Mount Rainier's economic development, empowering us to help activate vacant properties and enhance our downtown core,” said Mayor Celina Benitez. “We are grateful to Gov. Moore and DHCD Secretary Jake Day and the entire DHCD Team for their commitment to supporting small businesses across the state ensuring no one is left behind and we all take a step forward to community development,” she added. 

Additionally, Mount Rainier will receive $10,000 through the Main Street Improvement Program. This funding will support the Mount Rainier Mural Arts Project. 

“This funding will support the creation and implementation of the Mount Rainier Mural Arts Project which will beautify and improve the aesthetics of 2 commercial properties located in our downtown area. Furthermore, they can engage and captivate viewers, spark conversations, and create opportunities for people to pause, appreciate the art, and connect with their surroundings,” said Ronald Hopkins, Director of Economic Development. 

For more information on Mount Rainier’s Economic Development programs, visit www.mountrainiermd.org/economicdevelopment.