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.