It looks like the time is right for Main Street in the Town of Leesburg!
A local Main Street effort has been on the table multiple times in the past, but it never gained the traction needed to get off the ground. This time around, the town took their time to ensure community interest was there to support the grassroots initiative.
Over the last year, the Leesburg Economic Development Department educated local stakeholders on the Main Street Approach and sought advocates. Representatives from the department went door-to-door to all businesses in the historic downtown district—starting with those that had previously expressed interest. They held small group informational sessions to share best practices, answer questions, and dispel any myths. Finally, they hosted two public forums where Virginia Main Street staff facilitated a “What is Main Street” presentation and executive directors from two Advancing Virginia Main Street communities (Fredericksburg and Cape Charles) shared their community’s Main Street journey.
Backed by the support of Town Council, a steering committee made up of downtown business owners, residents and property owners has begun to meet regularly. They are working to generate additional support and awareness locally through some small promotional activations at existing events in advance of the new, independent nonprofit that is expected to be established by the end of the year. A consultant, Jennifer Goldman of Jennifer E Goldman LLC, was hired with support from a Community Vitality Grant (through the Department of Housing and Community Development) to guide them through the process.
While the steering committee is focused on the foundational elements for the new nonprofit, such as bylaws and electing a board of directors, they are eager to get to work creating more collaboration between the downtown businesses, marketing the district, and establishing a couple signature events to bring more people downtown. Down the road, they hope to partner with the town to implement a wayfinding project and possibly partner with the Loudoun Small Business Development Center (SBDC) to facilitate small business educational workshops and individual business assessments.
Keep track of the Leesburg Main Street Movement’s progress by following them on Instagram @leesburg_main_street_movement.
Photo Credit: Blaire Buergler
Virginia Main Street 