10 "Golden" Resources For Businesses & Residents Along Rt 40

Last month, the Golden Mile Alliance celebrated 10 years of helping Frederick shine.

The Golden Mile Alliance was formed in 2012 as an independent non-profit dedicated to the revitalization of the Route 40 corridor. The organization has been a major catalyst in change and a strategic component of the area’s community-building efforts in the area over the past the decade.

In honor of this anniversary, we are sharing 10 additional resources for residents and businesses that are interested in becoming more engaged & invested in the Route 40 area:


  1. Facade Improvement Grant Program

The Golden Mile Façade Improvement Grant Program offers matching funds for commercial façade improvement projects along Route 40. Building and/or business owners can apply for up to 50 percent of the cost of their improvement project.

Learn more here.

2. Neighborhood Advisory Council: 8 & 5

The Neighborhood Advisory Council (NAC) is a City-administrated forum for residents to become involved in identifying and recommending positive changes to improve their neighborhoods by enhancing communications with elected officials. Depending on what side of the road you are on, those in the Golden Mile area can become engaged in either NAC 8 or NAC 5.

Learn more here.

3. Enterprise Zone

The Maryland Enterprise Zone Program is an economic development program established by the Maryland General Assembly that offers real property and state income tax credits in return for job creation and capital investments in targeted areas — including the Route 40 corridor in Frederick.

Learn more here.

4. Volunteer Information

The best way for a community to thrive is for its residents to get involved. Whether as a Board Member, Committee Member, or at an event, the Golden Mile Alliance offers many ways for you to volunteer on Frederick’s westside.

Learn more here.

5. EmPower Program

The Golden Mile is proud to be a highly diverse community. Designed to encourage entrepreneurs from every background, Frederick County’s EmPOWER Program offers monthly networking events, a business mentorship program, an underrepresented business directory, DEI tool kit, one-on-one business support, resources and more.

Learn more here.

6. Golden Mile Small Area Plan


In 2013, the Mayor and Board of Aldermen adopted the Golden Mile Small Area Plan. The purpose of this plan is to encourage the redevelopment of the Route 40 Corridor through the use of incentives, public and private investment, as well as legislative policies that will provide additional tax base, economic revitalization, jobs and business opportunities to the City.

Learn more here.

7. Parks Information

The many City parks throughout the Golden Mile area offer a wide variety of recreational activities such as basketball, volleyball, baseball, soccer, playgrounds, walking trails, picnic & grilling areas. Plans are underway for Westside Regional Park, which will activate 135 acres of land along Butterfly Lane for public use.

Learn more here.

8. Business Start Up Guide

The City’s Business Start Up Guide is designed to help entrepreneurs navigate the start-up process as efficiently and effectively as possible. Read through the steps to learn about local business resources, potential tax credits & financial assistance, important real estate considerations, required licenses & permits, promotional opportunities, and more! A translation of the Business Start Up Guide in Spanish is also available.

Learn more here.

9. Development Database

The City’s Development Database is provided to give residents, business owners, and the development community insight into the projects that are currently pending review with the Division of Planning.

Learn more here.

10. Golden Mile Alliance Social Media

Looking to stay up to date on what’s happening along the Mile? Follow the Golden Mile Alliance on Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn to stay in the know!

Learn more here.


Learn more about the Golden Mile Alliance at www.goldenmilealliance.org.