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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.

Crystal Graham

Crystal Graham

Crystal Abbe Graham is the regional editor of Augusta Free Press. A 1999 graduate of Virginia Tech, she 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 on PBS. Her work on "Virginia Tonight" earned her a national Telly award for excellence in television.