Virginia Takes the Stage at Main Street NOW 2026

Posted on by Department of Housing and Community Development

More than 50 members of the Virginia Main Street network including staff, elected officials, and volunteers gathered in Tulsa, Oklahoma for the annual Main Street NOW conference.

Held in a different city each year, the annual Main Street NOW conference is an excellent opportunity for Main Street organizations across the state to connect, share ideas, and learn from one another over three days of programming. The greatest minds from Main Streets across the nation share their successful initiatives and standout programs are recognized for their impact.

One standout program being recognized is Virginia’s very own, Downtown Wytheville Inc., which brought home the 2026 Great American Main Street Award, one of the most prestigious honors in the Main Street industry! With this achievement, Wytheville joins the ranks of six other Virginia communities to have earned national recognition.

Related Article: Wytheville Earns 2026 Great American Main Street Award

Downtown Wytheville wasn’t the only Virginia community in the spotlight. Several members of the Virginia Main Street network had the opportunity to showcase their work. Ahead of the conference, Virginia’s Unlocking Capital communities: Danville, Portsmouth, and Roanoke, presented updates on their progress to national stakeholders.

Pictured from left to right: Gina Facteau, Greg Beam, Michelle Wren, and Courtney Mailey

During the event, attendees had the chance to “Walk the Block” with Gina Facteau, Executive Director of Phoebus Partnership, and build “Better Together” with Greg Beam, the Assistant Town Manager of Mount Jackson (formerly the longtime Executive Director of Staunton Downtown Development Association). John Foge, business retention and expansion manager of Shenandoah County Economic Development, also presented on “Turning Stories Into Local Growth.”

Last but not least, Virginia Main Street’s very own Courtney Mailey, alongside Michelle Wren, with Portsmouth Partnership, brought perspective on the local and statewide impact of the Unlocking Capital program.

Missed this year? Be sure to take a look at the available presentations from each of these communities. And if this article persuades you, start planning a trip to Detroit, Michigan, for the next Main Street NOW conference!