Excitingly, 22 projects have been awarded Industrial Revitalization Fund (IRF) Planning Grants! This is the first year that funds have been available for IRF Planning Grants, and these grants are intended to result in deliverables that contribute to more complete and prepared applications for IRF implementation grant applications that are due later this summer. Recently, … More 22 Projects Awarded Industrial Revitalization Fund Planning Grants

At the 2022 Main Street Now Conference, we’ll celebrate the community resilience and reinvestment championed by our Main Street programs and begin envisioning strategic opportunities to strengthen and expand our downtowns as we emerge into a new economic future. Volunteering for the conference is a cost-effective way to hear from leading Main Street experts and local … More Volunteers Needed for Main Street Now Conference in Richmond, Virginia!

There is strong evidence that a locality’s economic health connects directly to its physical beauty, opportunities for socializing and openness to all people. Where can you start to make a difference for your community’s best future? Start downtown!The Main Street Approach™ offers a practical, adaptable framework for downtown transformation that you can tailor to local … More Virginia Main Street Essentials Highlight: Organization

Main Street Now represents the largest national conference of local leaders working to advance economic opportunity in downtowns and commercial district. Network with peers from across the country, find solutions to common problems and discover innovative techniques and tools to help your community thrive. Get inspired by Richmond and surrounding Virginia Main Street communities as … More Attention Civic Leaders: Take Advantage of Discounted Registration Rate for 2022 Main Street Now Conference

After wrapping up their impressive Art Alley project, the Downtown Lynchburg Association (DLA) has begun another public art project that brings new life to the Midtown Parking Deck in Downtown Lynchburg. From a chevron-style design to geometric and floral patters, the structure will be transformed and contribute to the lively and welcoming environment downtown. Over … More Even Parking Garages Can Be Beautiful

Last fall, the Town of Louisa formally joined the Virginia Main Street (VMS) network and became an Exploring Main Street (EMS) community! The Louisa Forward Foundation (LFF), a 501(c)(3) nonprofit initiated by the Louisa County Chamber of Commerce, will serve as the lead organization and focus on creating improved economic opportunity downtown and enhancing quality … More Louisa Becomes an Exploring Main Street Community!

Excitingly, applications are now open for Big Bash (closing celebration of the 2022 Main Street Now Conference) vendors! The Big Bash will take place at the iconic Main Street Station, located in historic Shockoe Bottom, from 6:30 – 11:00 p.m. on Wednesday, May 18th. If you’re a maker or producer from the Richmond area or … More 2022 Main Street Now Conference: Apply to Be a Vendor at the Big Bash Celebration!

Do you want to learn more about how you can become a successful small real estate developer for a project in your neighborhood? Are you an advocate or local leader looking to encourage better buildings in your community? If so, register for a free lecture by Bernice Radle, owner and operator of Buffalove Development and … More Cultivating Neighborhoods: Register for Small Scale Development Lecture with Bernice Radle

Celebrate the power of place and join thousands of preservationists and preservation lovers at the nation’s premier conference, PastForward Online 2022, for those who work to save, sustain and interpret historic places. The virtual conference will provide an inspiring and engaging gathering for an expansive preservation movement and will offer a variety of new formats … More 2022 PastForward (Online) National Preservation Conference Now Seeking Session Proposals

Last week, Main Street America (MSA) named the eight semifinalists for the 2022 Great American Main Street Award (GAMSA). Excitingly, Danville’s River District Association (RDA) was amongst those recognized for their highly successful and innovative uses of the Main Street Approach, and all of us at Virginia Main Street (VMS) are thrilled for them! “The … More Danville’s River District Association Named Semifinalist for 2022 Great American Main Street Award