Guest feature: Benjamin Penserga is the deputy director of communications for the Maryland Department of Housing and Community Development . Follow along with DHCD on Facebook  and Twitter .

Governor Wes Moore has announced that Leonardtown in St. Mary’s County is the newest community to receive a Main Street Maryland  designation.

Leonardtown is the first designated Main Street in St. Mary’s County, and is home to Southern Maryland’s only designated Arts & Entertainment district. The designation will help strengthen the economic development potential in the town’s historic downtown districts and neighborhoods.

With the addition of Leonardtown, the Main Street Maryland program includes 34 communities in 20 counties across Maryland. For a community to be eligible to receive a designation, it must be a certified Maryland Sustainable Community, have a historic business district, and meet several additional criteria established by the National Main Street Center.

“The Town of Leonardtown is extremely pleased to add ‘Main Street Maryland designee’ to our accomplishments in our effort to continue building the economic vitality of our downtown, increasing the quality of life for our residents and ensuring that visitors know that when they visit Leonardtown they are ensured a wonderful, authentic Maryland visit,” said Town Administrator Laschelle McKay. “Strong partnerships, like this partnership with the State, are what makes Leonardtown a Most Exceptional Place!”

Read the full announcement