On October 24, 2024, the Town of Colonial Beach welcomed the U.S. Department of Agriculture‘s (USDA) Virginia Rural Development State Director Perry Hickman, who announced a significant step forward in economic development for rural communities across the state. The Virginia Department of Housing and Community Development (DHCD) has been awarded $500,000 through the USDA Rural … More Federal and State Collaboration Boosts Economic Development in Rural Virginia

During the month of October, the Virginia Main Street (VMS) team published eight blog posts, highlighting the latest community-vitality news, events and more! Here’s a recap: Disaster Preparedness Training / Education Accessibility & Inclusivity Building Stronger Boards Supporting Small Businesses Completed Grant Projects Stay tuned for lots more great content in November!

In the heart of every vibrant downtown lies an essential yet sometimes overlooked element: the streetscape. Streetscape improvements, which can include enhancements to sidewalks, landscaping, lighting, signage, and more, play an important role in the overall design and experience of your Main Street district. People are more likely to stroll through a clean, well-maintained area … More Starting With the Basics: Streetscape Improvements in Gate City, VA

As a participant in the Virginia Rural Leadership Institute’s (VRLI) 2024 Cohort, Zachary Whitlow, Community Vitality Program Administrator for the Department of Housing and Community Development, provides an overview of the third VRLI session of the year, which was held in Tappahannock, Warsaw and King William on September 11-13, 2024. The Virginia Rural Leadership Institute (VRLI) held … More Virginia Rural Leadership Institute Brings Cohort Members to the Middle Peninsula & Northern Neck

October is National Disability Employment Awareness Month and presents a valuable opportunity for us to explore accessibility and inclusivity initiatives. By championing these efforts, Main Street organizations can play a pivotal role in bridging employment gaps and enhancing opportunities and sense of belonging for all community members. Hilton Village Main Street (HVMS), a neighborhood commercial … More Advancing Disability Employment & Accessibility in Hilton Village

For local Main Street organizations, cultivating a strong, collaborative board is essential to the success of downtown revitalization efforts. When board members work together cohesively, they bring diverse perspectives, foster creative problem-solving and build consensus on priorities that align with the community’s needs. A well-functioning board also creates a unified vision, strengthens partnerships and increases … More Building Stronger Boards: Why Dynamic Meeting Locations Matter for Main Street Organizations

The City of Salem‘s small business community has been thriving, and much of that success can attributed to local entrepreneurs like Robin Ferguson, owner of The Knittin’ Coop. Reflecting on her long-time dream of being a business owner, Robin stated the following: “The seed was planted 39 years ago when I worked in Salem’s first … More Backing Small Businesses in Salem, VA

Since joining the Virginia Main Street (VMS) Network in 2021 as an Exploring Main Street (EMS) community, the Louisa Forward Foundation (LFF) has been dedicated to revitalizing downtown Louisa with support from local government, the Louisa County Chamber of Commerce, and other local partners. In 2022, the LFF secured a $7,000 VMS Community Vitality Grant … More Planning for Growth in Louisa, VA

By now, we have all seen images of the devastation caused by Hurricane Helene. From Florida and Georgia to the Carolinas and Tennessee, communities are reeling from a myriad of losses. Some places without power, Wi-Fi, or cell service have not yet been fully assessed so the extent of the damage remains unknown. What we … More Disaster Preparedness on Main Street