Virginia Main Street

Many Virginia Main Street organizations operate as 501(c)(3) nonprofits, but nonprofit status alone does not exempt an organization from Virginia’s Freedom of Information Act (FOIA). During a recent Advancing Virginia Main Street Board Forum, Megan Rhyne, Executive Director of the Virginia Coalition for Open Government, explained that a nonprofit may be subject to FOIA if … More When Does FOIA Apply to a Main Street Nonprofit?

The first thing visitors notice when they arrive in downtown Clarksville is its character. Historic storefronts, welcoming sidewalks, locally owned businesses, and views of nearby Kerr Lake create an experience that invites people to slow down, explore, and stay awhile. While that charm may seem effortless, it is the result of intentional investment and strong … More Clarksville’s Façade Improvement Program Strengthens Downtown

Virginia Main Street (VMS) proudly recognized the outstanding achievements of local leaders and communities whose innovative projects are strengthening historic downtowns across the Commonwealth during the 2026 Virginia Economic Development Association Summer Meeting in Blacksburg. The 2026 Virginia Main Street Merit Award winners demonstrate the creativity, collaboration, and dedication that continue to strengthen Virginia’s downtowns. … More Celebrating the 2026 Virginia Main Street Merit Award Winners

This summer, the Town of St. Paul reached an exciting milestone in its ongoing downtown revitalization and elevation of natural assets. The community was selected to participate in the Recreation Economy for Rural Communities (RERC) program, a nationally competitive initiative designed to help small towns harness the power of outdoor recreation as a driver of … More RERC Advances St. Paul’s Main Street Revitalization & Outdoor Rec.

Community surveys and market data only matter if people use them. Last month, Leesburg Movement hosted Downtown Decoded, an educational event that gave downtown business owners direct access to consumer and market insights and practical ideas they could implement right away. Through a short presentation and round table discussions, business owners learned that visitors spend … More Downtown Decoded: How Leesburg Informs Businesses Through Data

Every downtown has a story to tell. Whether it’s the businesses that have shaped the community for generations, the volunteers driving revitalization efforts, or the new investments transforming vacant buildings into thriving destinations, these stories help define a place and inspire others to become part of its future. This fall, Virginia Main Street invites community … More Rev Up Your Community’s Storytelling This Fall with Virginia Main Street

After 26 years of service to the nonprofit sector, 14 of which with the Center for Nonprofit Excellence (CNE), Cindy Colson, Deputy Director of Partnerships, Consulting & Impact, will be retiring effective June 30, 2026. Since Virginia Main Street (VMS) and CNE began their partnership in 2018, Cindy has played a vital role in building … More Celebrating CNE’s Cindy Colson’s Nonprofit Service and Welcoming New Leadership