The improvements will encourage businesses and visitors to Downtown Silver Spring, an urban district that is home to a thriving business and entertainment community. The area includes Astro Lab Brewing, Denizens Brewing Co., Silver Branch Brewing, and almost 160 restaurants, delis and bars. Silver Spring is a designated by the State of Maryland as an Arts & Entertainment District.
To support the Arts & Brewery District, MCEDC is working through the Montgomery County Commerce Cabinet in partnership with the Montgomery County Department of Transportation (MCDOT), the Silver Spring Urban District and the Silver Spring Regional Services Center and other community stakeholders.
The Montgomery County Commerce Cabinet, chaired by MCEDC, is a 14-member entity of executive agencies and organizations with a significant economic development mission.
As part of its Downtown Silver Spring initiative, the Commerce Cabinet coordinated the first round of funding for the Arts & Brewery District with $100,000 from MCDOT in Fall 2021. Congressman Jamie Raskin worked to have the $300,000 appropriation included in the Federal budget. It represents a second round of funding for potential revitalization efforts such as:
- Infrastructure upgrades to include additional streetscape, pedestrian-friendly walkways, lighting and signage to guide visitors along the public art walk and between the breweries.
- Job training partnerships with Montgomery College to train for highly skilled positions with breweries such as brew masters, facilities and equipment maintenance and other specialized skill needs.
- Pop up space for local farm breweries during events and weekends which could include brewers in the Montgomery County Agricultural Reserve and others outside of the downtown Silver Spring area.
- Murals and other public art displays.
- Marketing and promotion of the Downtown Silver Spring Arts & Brewery District to attract residents and visitors to the area.
Montgomery County Executive Marc Elrich was appreciate of Congressman Raskin’s efforts to gain the funding.
“The Downtown Silver Spring Arts & Brewery District is a game changer for our County’s economy and re-establishes this community as a destination location for dining, entertainment, and good times,” said County Executive Elrich. “Representative Raskin is a national hero for his courage and leadership on Capitol Hill, but his leadership, advocacy and character is not new to the residents of Montgomery County. Throughout his career in public service, he has always and continues to demonstrate exemplary constituent service and support of our residents.”
Benjamin H. Wu, the MCEDC president and CEO, said keeping Downtown Silver Spring vibrant is critical for Montgomery County’s economic success.
“Over the next few months, MCEDC will convene community stakeholders to execute revitalization efforts for the Arts & Brewery District,” said Mr. Wu. “We look forward to working with the many partners who are committed to Downtown Silver Spring’s continued prosperity. We are grateful to Congressman Raskin for championing this important economic development project.”
