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The New Jersey Department of Community Affairs (DCA) announced this week it will open a new application round for its Main Street New Jersey Program, beginning Feb. 1.

There are currently 25 designated communities in the MSNJ Program, which began in 1989. The designation allows communities to receive on- and off-site technical assistance and training in historic downtown revitalization and management as well as the opportunity to apply for grants to assist with physical improvement projects.

Since its inception, there has been more than $1 billion in public-private investment in MSNJ-designated communities.

DCA officials say the purpose is to assist with the development of preservation-based downtown revitalization initiatives, including strengthening the existing tax base, increasing sales, creating a positive community image with attractive and viable downtown buildings, attracting new businesses, creating new jobs, increasing downtown investment, and preserving historical architectural resources.

“Having a Main Street New Jersey designation promotes partnerships across local businesses, historic preservation, and community engagement, and we are eager to open this new applicant round,” said acting DCA Commissioner Jacquelyn Suarez in a press release. “MSNJ programs reinvest in their New Jersey downtowns through public and private investment resulting in community-led economic development, revitalization, and historic preservation.”

Applications will be accepted Feb. 1-March 15. Submissions will be evaluated independently by MSNJ staff and various state agencies.

To apply, applicants must be a recognized 501(c)(3), (c)(4), or (c)(6) organization with the primary mission of revitalizing a commercial district and must have municipal support via a codified resolution.

DCA will host new district application Zoom workshops Jan. 25 and Jan. 26. Applicants are required to attend at least one of the workshops.

Full application criteria and guidelines can be found here.

DCA says it expects to designate and announce the new MSNJ communities in April.