About the
Downtown Annapolis Partnership

The Downtown Annapolis Partnership is a non-profit 501 c (3) charitable organization, with a mission to sustain and strengthen the Annapolis business community.  Downtown Annapolis Partnership is a Main Street organization open to business owners, residents, property owners, service providers, and other non-profit organizations across the city of Annapolis.  Downtown Annapolis Partnership is a membership organization, and it is the organization's members that elect the officers, determine the budget and set the strategic direction for the organization.

Downtown Annapolis Partnership works in collaboration with the City of Annapolis and leading organizations such as the Conference and Visitors Bureau, the Four Rivers Heritage Area, the US Naval Academy, and Naval Academy Athletic Association, St. John’s College, Historic Annapolis and other organizations to preserve the Annapolis historic culture while creating a unique Annapolis experience that draws visitors and residents into our shops, restaurants, attractions, and lodging. 

The National Trust for Historic Preservation established the Main Street program in the early 1980's to preserve the historic buildings and character in cities across America by re-purposing those structures into restaurants, shops, offices, art galleries, and residences. As the interstate highway spread across America, many of the small towns were bypassed and the growth of suburbs, with massive shopping malls, pulled customers and residents away from our urban communities.

Main Street is now a national movement, taking root in more than 2,000 communities.  The program has spurred more than $56 billion in reinvestment, galvanized thousands of volunteers, and changed the way governments, planners and developers view preservation. 

The mission of the Downtown Annapolis Partnership is to strengthen and sustain local businesses, recognizing that a vibrant and healthy business community is essential to the economic success of the city.  Downtown Annapolis Partnership assists local businesses in creating an economically vital downtown and unique Annapolis experience by delivering exciting programs to draw residents and visitors into our local retail stores, restaurants and art galleries. 

Working together with our stakeholders, members and partner organizations, Downtown Annapolis Partnership strives to achieve the following:

• To be advocates for downtown businesses for the purpose of a creating united effort toward downtown economic revitalization
• Enhance the economic strength of Annapolis through the delivery of programs that sustain local businesses, improve the quality of life for residents and encourage new businesses to locate within the city
• Preserve Annapolis’ historic character and cultural heritage through the effective re-purposing and preservation of historic structures
• Promote an authentic “Annapolis Experience” that attracts visitors and residents
• Foster a diverse artistic and cultural experience that sustains and builds the arts community
• Collaborate with key government agencies and other non-profit organizations to achieve mutual strategic goals
• Provide recommendations to improve regulations and government policies to drive toward a business-friendly environment