The Virginia Main Street (VMS) Fall 2025 Regional Rev Up series brought together more than 100 community leaders and Main Street professionals from across the state for a full day of learning, collaboration, and inspiration. The workshops, held on September 16, 17, and 19 in Culpeper, Tazewell, and Clarksville, respectively, focused on how local leadership and regulatory policy can work hand-in-hand to shape thriving, people-centered downtowns.
Facilitated by the Commonwealth Preservation Group—a Norfolk-based historic preservation consulting firm and the newest architectural partner for the VMS program—the training helped participants step back and consider why design matters in the context of downtown revitalization. Attendees examined the interconnected responsibilities of councils, planning commissions, Main Street organizations, and architectural review boards—and how these bodies can work together to foster vitality, accessibility, and beauty in downtown spaces.
One of the day’s most engaging discussions focused on policy as both a tool and a process. Participants learned how regulatory frameworks—from zoning to design guidelines—can either empower or hinder revitalization. The session highlighted the “feedback loop” between leadership and changemakers: how leaders adopt and interpret policies, and how Main Street organizations can leverage those tools to further community goals.
After lunch and networking, attendees moved from theory to practice with a community walkabout through the host district. Working in small groups, they examined real-world examples of design successes and challenges—considering how pedestrian infrastructure, storefront design, and public spaces can be enhanced through thoughtful policy and collaboration. This hands-on component allowed participants to apply concepts discussed earlier in the day to tangible local contexts.
The workshop concluded with a guided reflection session, where participants shared key takeaways and identified actionable next steps to bring home to their own communities. Many left with a renewed appreciation for the interplay between leadership, policy, and place—and a clearer vision for how to translate good design into long-term Main Street success.
Interested in exploring some of the handouts from the Fall 2025 Regional Rev Up? Click here to access the resources participants used during the community walkabout session—and see what they took home to help put their learning into action!
Stay informed about upcoming VMS trainings by visiting our Training Calendar for the latest updates!
Photo Credit: Virginia Main Street
Virginia Main Street 