2026 Main Street Accelerator Cohort
Fairfield Among CT Communities Chosen For Professional Development & Team-Building Program
We're excited to share that Fairfield has been selected to take part in the 2026 Main Street Accelerator Cohort presented by Connecticut Main Street Center.
During the duration of the 6-month program, a team comprised of members from the Town, Chamber of Commerce, and cultural institutions will work with key stakeholders to increase awareness, foot traffic, and economic activity for the newly established downtown Cultural District.
Five Connecticut Communities Chosen for 2026 Main Street Accelerator CohortApplicant pool largest to date for CMSC’s signature downtown leadership program
(Hartford, CT) – Connecticut Main Street Center (CMSC) is pleased to announce the five communities chosen as its 2026 Main Street Accelerator Cohort: Deep River, Fairfield, Torrington, Vernon, and Westbrook. This year marks the largest applicant pool since the program launched in 2024, underscoring growing interest in revitalizing Connecticut’s downtowns through a managed approach.
Main Street Accelerator is CMSC’s flagship professional development and team-building program, designed to help communities implement small-scale, high-impact projects that strengthen their downtowns. Over six months, participating teams learn the nationally recognized Four Point Approach to Main Street Management while applying it to a specific local challenge.
The teams and their projects represent a diverse array of Connecticut towns and cities:
Deep River – Local leaders from several town commissions and departments will work together to reinvigorate the main street area with new messaging that tackles misconceptions about the downtown.
Fairfield – A team comprised of members from the Town, Chamber of Commerce, and cultural institutions will work with key stakeholders to increase awareness, foot traffic, and economic activity for the newly established downtown Cultural District.
Torrington – The team of city and cultural organization leaders will create a plan to revitalize and increase the vibrancy of the North End, while transforming city lots into spaces that support Hispanic businesses, celebrate culture, and connect the North End with downtown.
Vernon – Municipal staff, commission members, stakeholders, and residents will focus on changing negative perceptions of the downtown that are hindering visitors and business growth.
Westbrook – The team includes local stakeholders from a variety of community groups and will investigate ways to improve the illumination of two town-owned park properties to enhance the existing buildings, monuments, public trees and art.
Interested in Moving Your Business to Fairfield CT?
Contact us and we’ll show you what makes Fairfield a viable choice for your business.
Mark S. Barnhart,
Director of Community & Economic Development
611 Old Post Road
Fairfield, CT 06824
(203) 256-3120 (office)
(203) 767-2854 (mobile)
(203) 256-3129 (fax)
mbarnhart@fairfieldct.org