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Recipients of 2022 National Main Street Accreditation Announced

15:00 June 22, 2022
By: Tatum Arbogast

A Stroll Down Main Street

At the heart of cities and communities across the nation is a place that we've affectionately titled main street. On a casual stroll through your average main street, you might possibly find small family-owned businesses housed in 20s'-style red brick buildings, a bustling post office with happy customers rushing in and out, simplistic bike stands to park your humble mode of transportation, and loads more eccentricities that insight that unmistakable feeling of nostalgia. Main streets make up the center of life, community, and economic development in cities and small towns throughout the United States, showing us who we are and where we came from. For these reasons, the revitalization and upkeep of these historic commercial districts is vital to preserving our own history and sense of community, a realization that has been upheld by Main Street America for more than 35 years. This year, Lieutenant Governor Billy Nungesser and Louisiana Main Street could not be any prouder to recognize 20 Louisiana community programs as recipients of 2022 National Main Street Accreditation.

Louisiana's 20 Nationally-Accredited Main Street America Programs

Recognition as a nationally-accredited Main Street America program is an incredible honor, and the state of Louisiana is rightfully proud of their 20 communities that have reached this status. This top tier recognition is reserved for programs that go above and beyond in showing their dedication to revitalization of their historic commercial districts, along with a successful track record of implementing the Main Street Approach. Some Louisiana nationally-accredited programs include Hammond Downtown Development District, Crowley Main Street, and Olde Towne Slidell Main Street among many others.

You may be wondering, what exactly makes a main street so worth preserving and nurturing in the grand scheme of things? "Historic downtowns and neighborhood commercial districts are the heart and soul of communities across Louisiana. They give the community its sense of place and character and provide the uniqueness that sets one community apart from another," explains Lieutenant Governor Billy Nungesser. "In addition, historic downtowns and neighborhood commercial districts are great locations for small businesses and entrepreneurs. It's an honor to be able to recognize these 20 Louisiana communities who have worked diligently to revitalize their social cohesion and economic sustainability."

Patrice Frey, President and CEO of Main Street America, echoes Nungesser's proud sentiments: "We are extremely proud to recognize this year's Nationally-Accredited Main Street America programs that have worked tirelessly to advance economic vitality and quality of life in their downtowns and commercial districts." Despite going through another challenging year, Frey recognizes, "these programs demonstrated the power of the Main Street movement to respond to the needs of their communities. I am inspired by their steadfast leadership and innovative solutions to drive essential local recovery efforts, support small businesses, and nurture vibrant downtown districts."

How the Main Street Movement Has Helped Communities

Throughout the year of 2021, Main Street America has been taking incredible strides in helping communities nationally. Their 2021 programs generated a whopping $5.76 billion for local reinvestment, created 30,403 net new jobs, helped to open 6,601 net new businesses, and sparked the revitalization of 10,595 historic buildings, and all of that was within a single year.

For the state of Louisiana, alone, the impact of Main Street America programs has been tremendous. With over 14,300 net new jobs, upwards of 3,500 net new businesses, and $969 million of total investment created in the past year, communities throughout the region have been able to feel the impact of Main Street America's mission.

The Nationally-Accredited Communities of Louisiana have something to be proud of this summer, and they can thank their own dedication and commitment for all that they've accomplished. Maybe head on over to your local main street to get a feel for what Main Street America is passionate about. To learn more about Louisiana's Main Street Program, you can check it out here.

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