In Case You Missed It: October 2024 Digest

Posted on by Department of Housing and Community Development

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

Disaster Preparedness

  • Virginia did not escape Hurricane Helene unscathed, reporting hundreds of buildings destroyed or damaged and thousands without power and water in the Southwest area of the state. As the water recedes and the situation is assessed, the Virginia Department of Housing and Community Development (DHCD) and the VMS program will work with its partners and local leadership as the work of repairing and rebuilding begins. Click here to learn more and check out a few resources to assist your community in preparing for, responding to, and recovering from natural disasters.

Training / Education

  • As a VMS program administrator, I (Kyle Meyer) have had the privilege of learning and implementing the Appreciative Inquiry (AI) process within the communities I serve. This approach not only celebrates successes but also inspires collaborative visioning for the future—an ideal strategy and very good match for Main Street nonprofit organizations looking to enhance impact. Click here to learn more!
  • The Virginia Rural Leadership Institute (VRLI) held its third session of the year in the Middle Peninsula and Northern Neck, both of which embody the essence of rural Virginia, where scenic landscapes, historical significance and a strong sense of place come together. Over three enriching days, cohort members engaged with the area’s deep-rooted heritage and forward-looking spirit, exploring the charms of several small towns, connecting with local leaders and embracing the coastal lifestyle. Click here to learn more!

Accessibility & Inclusivity

  • Hilton Village Main Street (HVMS), a neighborhood commercial district in the City of Newport News, has been working tirelessly to further accessibility and inclusivity in their small village. One of their key initiatives includes advancing employment opportunities for uniquely-abled persons through the promotion of the Work Opportunity Tax Credit (WOTC), a federal tax credit available to employers who invest in job seekers from certain targeted groups. Click here to learn more and discover what other accessibility initiatives HVMS implements to foster a commercial district that’s accessible to all.

Building Stronger Boards

  • For local Main Street organizations, cultivating a strong, collaborative board is essential to the success of downtown revitalization efforts. One effective way to foster stronger relationships and build a positive board culture is by changing up the location and format of board meetings. Alternating between the traditional boardroom setting and more informal venues, such as restaurants or active project sites, offers several key benefits. Click here to learn more!

Supporting Small Businesses

  • The City of Salem‘s small business community has been thriving, and much of that success can attributed to local entrepreneurs like Robin Ferguson, owner of The Knittin’ Coop. After opening her shop six months before the COVID-19 pandemic struck, Robin’s focus on community, Virginia farms, and indie dyers helped the Knittin’ Coop survive challenging times. With additional support from the Main Street America and American Express Backing Small Business Grant program, her vision has grown even further. Click here to learn more!

Completed Grant Projects

  • Since joining the VMS Network in 2021 as an Exploring Main Street (EMS) community, the Louisa Forward Foundation (LFF) has been dedicated to revitalizing downtown Louisa with support from local government, the Louisa County Chamber of Commerce, and other local partners. In 2022, the LFF secured a $7,000 VMS Community Vitality Grant (CVG) to conduct a strategic market analysis that would outline a data-driven path forward for LFF revitalization efforts. Click here to learn more!
  • With the support of a $15,000 CVG from the VMS program, Gate City Frontier (GCF) was able to achieve success on a simple project that had big impacts: improving the downtown streetscape and making it safer and more enjoyable to walk around and explore for residents and visitors alike. The organization’s #GateCityProud project resulted in 30 new trash cans and 30 new street planters in the Main Street district, replacing the dilapidated and well-worn fixtures that had been in place before. Click here to learn more!

Stay tuned for lots more great content in November!