Category: Development

The Destination Express: Enhancing the Visitor Experience with History

October 18, 2017

The Ashland Main Street Association and its local partners are dedicated to making downtown an amazing destination.  How?  By embracing their transportation history they are improving the visitor experience and creating memorable central gathering spaces. Executive Director Tom Wulf is our guest blogger with the details.     Earlier in 2017, mural artist Ed Trask and … More The Destination Express: Enhancing the Visitor Experience with History

The District Digest Vol. 1 – Downtown Ideas to Put to Work

September 27, 2017

While you were busy making a difference in your home town, you might have missed these thought-provoking posts: Top 10 Reasons to Support Your Locally Owned Businesses – Institute for Local Self-Reliance 4 Easy Steps to Squash the “There’s No Parking” Argument – Strong Towns How to Design a Pedestrian Mall That Works – Governing … More The District Digest Vol. 1 – Downtown Ideas to Put to Work

Virginia’s Craft Beer Scene is Booming

June 26, 2017

Governor Terry McAuliffe recently announced that Virginia is now home to 206 licensed breweries, a 468% growth since 2012, when the tasting room bill, SB604, passed the General Assembly. A newly released economic impact study shows that Virginia’s booming beer industry contributes more than $9.34 billion annually to Virginia’s economy. “In addition to the direct … More Virginia’s Craft Beer Scene is Booming

“Booster Rockets” For Downtown Revitalization Momentum

March 30, 2017

After decades of market preference for suburban development, Main Street and downtowns are hot again! Back in the market, they are once again desirable targets for investment, business startups, expansion, the creative economy, housing, and tourism. So, how do we sustain that momentum, take advantage of the attention, and keep the revitalization progress moving forward?  … More “Booster Rockets” For Downtown Revitalization Momentum

Local Incentives Drive Community Development

January 24, 2017

One of the most important ways that a municipality can support it’s small business community is through targeted financial incentives. A recent Potomac Local article touted the expansion of the city of Manassas’ business incentive programs, including Façade Improvement Grants and Landscape Improvement Grants. These incentives will assist with the exterior renovations and landscaping of existing … More Local Incentives Drive Community Development

Virginia Main Street Grants Announced

November 21, 2016

Governor McAuliffe recently announced $65,000 in Virginia Main Street program grant funding for five projects in the towns of Bedford and Blackstone, and the cities of Fredericksburg, Franklin and Winchester. The Downtown Investment Grants, administered by the Virginia Department of Housing and Community Development (DHCD), are for design and economic vitality projects targeting areas of … More Virginia Main Street Grants Announced

Give your local artists the business tools for success

August 18, 2016

When we talk about entrepreneurship, so often artists can be left out of the conversation. The Staunton Creative Community Fund (Staunton Fund) has been examining entrepreneurship through the lens of artists. Wrapping up the spring with a Bach n’ Roll Roundtable, the Staunton Fund brought together stakeholders to talk about needs and ideas for growing … More Give your local artists the business tools for success

Three Steps to Refresh Your Main Street Strategies for Visible Results

August 10, 2016

How can your local Main Street program better use limited resources to create vibrant, people-centered places? The Main Street Approach has been a successful model for older commercial district revitalization for more than 35 years and is used to revitalize and manage downtowns in more than 2,000 communities across the U.S.  The Four Point approach offers … More Three Steps to Refresh Your Main Street Strategies for Visible Results

Three Upcoming Opportunities to Rev up Your Downtown Revitalization Efforts

August 8, 2016

Is your downtown ready for new businesses and residential investment? In order to meet new challenges and ensure a strong Main Street, communities need ongoing training.  Whether the community is just getting started with Main Street activities or well-seasoned in managing a prosperous commercial district, staff and volunteers need different skills in different phases of … More Three Upcoming Opportunities to Rev up Your Downtown Revitalization Efforts