Home Downtown Waynesboro’s future success to be the focus of two-year assessment
News

Downtown Waynesboro’s future success to be the focus of two-year assessment

Crystal Graham
Downtown Waynesboro
(© Kristina Blokhin – stock.adobe.com)

Waynesboro will take part in a two-year cohort-based program that will explore the future success of downtown through economic opportunity and revitalization.

Destination Downtown Waynesboro is joining the Virginia Department of Housing and Community Development’s 2025-26 Mobilizing Main Street Program.

The program will provide the framework for targeted organizational development support to Exploring Main Street communities interested in pursuing advancing Virginia Main Street designation and Main Street America accredited status.

“This program is exactly what we need to bring renewed energy and focus to our downtown revitalization efforts,” said Meghan Swanson, acting president of DDW. “This is an incredible opportunity to strengthen our organizational foundation and build the partnerships we need to create a downtown that truly reflects the energy, creativity and potential of our community. We’re eager to start working on the future of downtown Waynesboro.”

Destination Downtown Waynesboro will work with DHCD staff to bolster the community for economic opportunity.

The cohort will develop individualized work plans and implementation of program benchmarks and will assist with market analysis, design assessments, grant management, leadership transition, volunteer development and other essential tools for impactful success.

“The Virginia Main Street Program has been transforming communities for over 40 years, and it continues to be critical to economic development, small business growth and job creation across the Commonwealth,” said Bryan Horn, DHCD director. “VMS fosters local community development efforts while offering targeted support to participating organizations to ensure their future success in the Virginia Main Street program.”

The cohort program is funded by the Virginia Main Street program.

For more information, visit dhcd.virginia.gov/vms.




Multimedia

 

Crystal Graham

Crystal Graham

A 1999 graduate of Virginia Tech, Crystal Graham has worked for 25 years as a reporter and editor for several Virginia publications, written a book, and garnered more than a dozen Virginia Press Association awards for writing and graphic design. She was the co-host of "Viewpoints," a weekly TV news show, and co-host of "Virginia Tonight," a nightly TV news show, both broadcast on PBS. Her work on "Virginia Tonight" earned her a national Telly award for excellence in television. You can reach her at [email protected]

Latest News

trevor dunbar uva track and field
Go 'Hoos, Sports

UVA Track and Field: Trevor Dunbar hires Sam Bradley to his new staff

uva football kam robinson
Football, Go 'Hoos

UVA Football: Status reports on Kam Robinson, more as training camp winds down

UVA Football coach Tony Elliott met with reporters for the final time in training camp on Monday, with the focus by midweek shifting to the Week 0 season opener with NC State on Saturday, Aug. 29 – 12 days away, at this writing.

facebook
Trump's America

Suit alleging that Meta intentionally addicts children, teens finally gets to trial

Virginia Attorney General Jay Jones didn’t pull his punches ahead of opening arguments in the multi-state suit against Meta, the parent company of Facebook and Instagram.

Tom Perriello
Virginia Politics

New poll suggests Tom Perriello has a good shot in the Fifth District

donald trump golf
Trump's America

Trump threatens Oman, South Korea: Warner asks – whose side is Trump on?

uva basketball
Basketball, Go 'Hoos

Women’s Basketball: UVA, JMU announce three-year series beginning in November

staunton amtrak station
Local

Staunton: Who is responsible for the $15.6 million for Amtrak station upgrades?