Community Engagement – Virginia Main Street

Embracing Appreciative Inquiry: A Path to Strategic Planning for Main Street Organizations

October 24, 2024

As a Virginia Main Street (VMS) program administrator, I’ve 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. … More Embracing Appreciative Inquiry: A Path to Strategic Planning for Main Street Organizations

Building Capacity: How Toano Historical Society is Revitalizing Through Human Capital Development

September 23, 2024

In the heart of the unincorporated town of Toano, on the western edge of James City County, lies a small nonprofit with a big vision: the Toano Historical Society (THS). Founded in 2018, THS seeks to inspire community spirit, promote local history, and preserve the small-town character of the Toano Commercial Historic District—a collection of … More Building Capacity: How Toano Historical Society is Revitalizing Through Human Capital Development

The Walker Program Releases Small Town Economic Revitalization and Racial Justice Guide

May 10, 2021

In spring 2021, The Walker Program released its Small Town Economic Revitalization and Racial Justice Guide, which provides a step-by-step framework to address racial inequity through the economic sector in the cities of Lexington and Buena Vista, Rockbridge County and similarly sized communities. Created by a Washington and Lee University student, Courtney Berry, in partnership … More The Walker Program Releases Small Town Economic Revitalization and Racial Justice Guide

Harrisonburg Downtown 2040: Engaging Master Planning through Community Input

March 31, 2021

Partnering together, the City of Harrisonburg and Harrisonburg Downtown Renaissance (HDR) have launched Harrisonburg Downtown 2040, a community-driven plan for Downtown Harrisonburg, Virginia. Throughout 2021, the planning process will unfold, and it will be completed during the fall. As the project gains momentum, members of the community have been invited to envision the next 20 … More Harrisonburg Downtown 2040: Engaging Master Planning through Community Input

New Black and Brown Owned Business Growth Program (B-Cubed) Launches in Rockingham County

March 12, 2021

During the summer of 2020, nationwide events influenced many people to seek ways to support Black- and Brown-owned businesses in their communities. In response to that desire, the Harrisonburg-Rockingham Chamber’s Diversity Business Council, which includes Harrisonburg Downtown Renaissance (HDR), mapped out a strategy to grow Black- and Brown-owned businesses (B-Cubed) in Harrisonburg and Rockingham County, … More New Black and Brown Owned Business Growth Program (B-Cubed) Launches in Rockingham County

Hybrid Business Whips Up Coffee with a Shot of Asset Building in Downtown Suffolk

January 18, 2021

In October 2020, Downtown Suffolk Business Launch winners and real estate brokers Domenick Epps and Danita Hayes launched Wall Street Café on Washington Street in downtown Suffolk. “Great food, great coffee, great conversation and [financial] education is what the atmosphere of Wall Street Café is all about!” – Danita Hayes Emphasizing the role of entrepreneurs … More Hybrid Business Whips Up Coffee with a Shot of Asset Building in Downtown Suffolk

Creating Interactive Apptivities for Downtowns

January 13, 2021

We don’t yet know what the new normal will be after the COVID-19 crisis winds down. But, we do know that keeping people engaged with places and people throughout the pandemic is a key to keeping them engaged in the future. One way to provide socially distant activities is through guided smartphone-based apptivities, such as … More Creating Interactive Apptivities for Downtowns

Activating Outdoor Spaces in Winter

December 4, 2020

While normally Virginians hunker down during the hottest and coldest months, sheltering in place during the COVID-19 pandemic has invigorated within some people a desire to be outside when normally they would have stayed home. Our neighboring Main Street programs in the Northeast, Midwest and Mountain states can offer many ideas that celebrate winter in … More Activating Outdoor Spaces in Winter

Be Positive: Dealing Disaster Part 2 of 2

October 7, 2020

While earthquakes and tornadoes are rare in most of the commonwealth, hurricane season is a regular fixture on our calendars in Virginia. The season typically runs from June to November with heightened activity August to October. This is the second of a blog series centered on Danville, Virginia’s experience recovering from Hurricane Michael in 2018 … More Be Positive: Dealing Disaster Part 2 of 2

Be Prepared: Dealing with Disaster Part 1 of 2

September 30, 2020

While earthquakes and tornadoes are rare in most of the commonwealth, hurricane season is a regular fixture on our calendars in Virginia. The season typically runs from June to November with heightened activity August to October. In October 2018, Hurricane Michael raised to the Dan River to flood stage, causing damaged roads and buildings, and even … More Be Prepared: Dealing with Disaster Part 1 of 2