Last month, the Virginia Department of Housing and Community Development (DHCD) launched its first cohort-based Mobilizing Main Street (MMS) program with 10 participating communities across the state.

Through the MMS program, 10 communities will build a comprehensive downtown revitalization program that champions grassroots leadership and preservation-based economic development. Over a two-year period, Virginia Main Street (VMS) staff will provide organizational development services to increase the capacity of each selected community’s local Main Street initiative and prepare them to pursue and maintain the responsibilities of Advancing Virginia Main Street (AVMS) designation, the top tier of VMS participation, and Main Street America Accredited status.

“The Virginia Main Street program has been transforming communities for over 35 years, and it continues to be critical to economic development, small business growth and job creation across the Commonwealth. This new program will foster local and ongoing community development efforts while offering targeted support to participating organizations to ensure their future success in the Virginia Main Street program”

– DHCD Director Bryan Horn

Click here to view the full press release for more information about the 2023-2024 MMS program and the first 10 participating communities!