Author: Department of Housing and Community Development

Community blight has a cost and DHCD has a solution

April 4, 2016

In February, Governor McAuliffe announced award winners for DHCD’s Industrial Revitalization Fund for fiscal year 2016. Of those, three were Virginia Main Street Communities: the towns of Bedford and Warrenton and the city of Lynchburg. The IRF program can help rehabilitate derelict structures into economically viable uses again. The Center for Community Progress also posted an article about … More Community blight has a cost and DHCD has a solution

Virginia Main Street designates four new communties

March 30, 2016

Governor Terry McAuliffe has announced the designation of four communities in the Virginia Main Street (VMS) program, administered by the Virginia Department of Housing and Community Development (DHCD). The newly-designated communities include the town of Wytheville, the cities of Danville and Lexington and Gloucester Courthouse in Gloucester County.  The communities were selected based on their … More Virginia Main Street designates four new communties

Preservation Virginia Releases Economic Impact Study of Virginia Main Street Program

October 13, 2015

On Wednesday, Preservation Virginia released a study measuring the economic impact of 30 years of the Virginia Main Street program. The report documents the Virginia Main Street program throughout the last 30 years. The report has documented the direct economic effects across Virginia Main Streets since 1985, when the program was adopted in Virginia to … More Preservation Virginia Releases Economic Impact Study of Virginia Main Street Program

Check the local news stands: Virginia Main Street in Southern Living

August 25, 2015

In the September 2015 issue of Southern Living, you will find a spread highlighting travel destinations across the commonwealth, including a special nod to our beloved Virginia Main Street communities.  Thank you to our partners at Virginia Tourism Corporation.  Web links direct readers to a list of the designated communities and points travelers to the heart … More Check the local news stands: Virginia Main Street in Southern Living

Register Now for the VMS Toolkit – September 15-16 in South Boston

August 13, 2015

Building a Resilient Nonprofit Together September 15-16 South Boston, Virginia Behind every exciting Main Street District beats the collective heart of volunteers, entrepreneurs and property owners working together to create an environment of invitation. Every day, residents and visitors are discovering what makes your Main Street their favorite, be it the shops, the food or … More Register Now for the VMS Toolkit – September 15-16 in South Boston

Virginia Main Street 2016 Designation How-to-Apply Workshops

June 26, 2015

Virginia Main Street  2016 Designation  How-to-Apply Workshops DHCD will be accepting up to three new designated Virginia Main Street Communities into this successful Virginia Main Street program in 2016. The communities must meet the eligibility criteria to be considered.  In addition to becoming part of the internationally-renowned National Main Street Center, a designated Virginia Main … More Virginia Main Street 2016 Designation How-to-Apply Workshops

Register Now for the VMS Essentials – July 15 in Lynchburg

June 19, 2015

Virginia Main Street Essentials: An overview of the Main Street Four Point Approach (R) Wednesday, July 15, 2015 Holiday Inn Lynchburg 601 Main Street, Lynchburg, VA Join Main Street professionals and volunteers for a one-day, back-to-basics revitalization training on the Main Street Four Point Approach® presented by National Main Street Center staff and design professional … More Register Now for the VMS Essentials – July 15 in Lynchburg

Launch Gloucester announces winner of first Community Business Launch

June 1, 2015

A bakery and cafe, a business catering to pets and pet owners and a massage and wellness clinic will be the newest businesses to open or expand on Main Street following the Launch Gloucester awards ceremony on Tuesday, May 19.  Participants in the entrepreneur contest that launched earlier this year also got a surprise element … More Launch Gloucester announces winner of first Community Business Launch

Building Collaborative Communities and Community Business Launch How-to-Apply Workshops announced

May 21, 2015

The Virginia Department of Housing and Community Development (DHCD) has announced funding is available for the Building Collaborative Communities (BCC) and Community Business Launch (CBL) programs for fiscal year 2015-2016. DHCD grant programs offer flexible resources to do more across your community and region. Register below for one of the how-to-apply workshops to learn about … More Building Collaborative Communities and Community Business Launch How-to-Apply Workshops announced