In Case You Missed It: January 2024 Digest

Posted on by Department of Housing and Community Development

During the month of January, the Virginia Main Street (VMS) team published eight blog posts, highlighting the latest community-vitality news, events and more! Here’s a recap:

Design

  • Experience Old Town Warrenton’s (EOTW) “You Are Home” mural is almost complete! The new mural, which showcases the Blue Ridge mountains in a bold and bright style, sits at the corner of Main and Culpeper Streets—a prominent intersection and entryway into downtown. Click here to learn more!
  • A design committee is an important part of any of Main Street organization! It plays a key role in molding the aesthetics and environment of your downtown and helps preserve your community’s unique character, while planning ahead for how to incorporate and guide future changes. Click here to learn how to get your design committee more engaged.

Economic Vitality

  • Main Street is Economic Development, and local Main Street organizations have a role to play in creating economic growth. Click here to learn more!
  • Over the years, small commercial corridor businesses and entrepreneurs have been able to sustain and scale up operations with the assistance of Community Development Financial Institutions (CDFIs). CDFIs are lenders with a mission to provide equitable, responsible financing to communities that aren’t typically reached by mainstream finance. Click here to learn more!

Main Street Awards

  • Downtown Lynchburg Association (DLA) was awarded a prestigious Downtown Achievement Award of Excellence for the Hill City Eats cookbook by the International Downtown Association (IDA). As defined by the IDA, this award recognizes an excellent response to an urban place management challenge, demonstrating the application of industry knowledge and exceeding the jury criteria. Click here to learn more!
  • The Virginia Main Street (VMS) team received an Innovation Award from the Virginia Department of Housing & Community Development (DHCD) in recognition and appreciation of their outstanding service and contribution to the agency, specifically the game-changing new Mobilizing Main Street (MMS) program. Click here to learn more!
  • During the 2024 Virginia Main Street (VMS) Director’s Retreat, Advancing Virginia Main Street (AVMS) programs were recognized for their outstanding achievements in revitalization efforts. Over the years, these vibrant communities have not only witnessed significant building improvements but have also seen a surge in volunteer hours and private investment, contributing to their overall growth and prosperity. Click here to learn more!

7 Actionable Principles

  • Through Virginia Main Street’s (VMS) Firm Principles, Flexible Paths series, the Center of Nonprofit Excellence (CNE) is diving into their 7 Actionable Principles (7APs) to strengthen nonprofits and their relationships with funders. The 7APs offer a common language around key and proven practices, infused with values of equity and growth. The fourth principle relates to prioritizing equity. Click here to learn more!

Stay tuned for lots more great content in February!