Main Street America recently announced that 1,188 programs have achieved designations as MSA programs in recognition of their commitment to preservation-based economic development and community revitalization through the Main Street Approach. 26 Main Street programs in Virginia earned Accredited status – the top designation tier – for demonstrating a proven track record of achieving outcomes in alignment with the Main Street Approach and exceptional performance in the six standards of community evaluation. Additionally, 13 programs have received Affiliate status for showing a strong commitment to the Main Street model and creating meaningful improvements in their community.
Click here to learn more about the Main Street programs that lead local efforts across Virginia to strengthen communities through place-based economic development, and their collective impact!
In 2023, Accredited and Affiliate Main Street America communities across the nation generated:
- $5.68 billion in local reinvestment
- 6,630 net new businesses
- 35,162 net new jobs
- 10,556 rehabilitated historic buildings
- 1,664,763 volunteer hours leveraged
On average, for every dollar that a Main Street program spent to support their operations, $18.03 of new investment was generated back into their downtown and commercial corridor communities.
“We are incredibly excited to celebrate this year’s 1,188 designated Main Street America programs, and their remarkable efforts to reenergize their local economies and public spaces. Main Street leaders are visionaries that see things that no one else can see and create the future world we all want to live in. The size and impact of our network demonstrates that great things happen when visions are realized through strategic, grassroots collaboration.” – Erin Barnes, MSA President and CEO
Click here to learn more about the collective impact of the Main Street Movement (since 1980)!
Image Credit: Virginia is for Lovers
Virginia Main Street 