In 2023, Virginia Main Street (VMS) staff worked with Main Street communities across the state to employ the Main Street Approach to create positive and catalytic impacts. These communities have achieved notable success in revitalizing and preserving their historic downtown / neighborhood commercial districts. From attracting new businesses to fostering community engagement, the unwavering dedication of local Main Street programs, big and small, has been instrumental in creating vibrant places and thriving local economies throughout Virginia! See 2023 reinvestment statistics below:
Since the program’s inception in 1985, more than 8,200 businesses have opened / expanded, 27,485 jobs have been created, and over $2.6 billion in public and private investment has been generated. Local Main Street programs have also contributed 1,415,231 volunteer hours, which has a market value of $43,003,349.
In addition to economic outcomes, the VMS team provided a host of trainings, services, and technical assistance throughout last year. Through 49 trainings and presentations attended by over 1,300 attendees, VMS equipped community stakeholders with the tools and strategies necessary for impactful revitalization efforts. Frequently getting out in the field, staff conducted 67 site visits, 27 program assessments, and 17 organizational development services, as well as oversaw the creation of 16 economic development plans.
The transformative impact of local Main Street programs across the Commonwealth cannot be overstated. These communities not only revitalize their downtowns / neighborhood commercial districts but also foster a sense of pride and unity among residents, merchants, local officials, and others. Empowered by the VMS program to navigate the complexities of revitalization with confidence and foresight, these communities will continue to lead the charge in creating vibrant, sustainable, and thriving centers throughout Virginia.
Image Credit: Downtown Lynchburg
Image Credit: Main Street America
Image Credit: Harrisonburg Downtown Renaissance
Virginia Main Street 