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18 cities receive downtown improvement grants

Downtowns

Tennessee Gov. Bill Lee and Department of Economic and Community Development Commissioner Stuart C. McWhorter today the 18 Tennessee Main Street and Tennessee Downtowns communities that are recipients of Downtown Improvement Grants. 

“Tennessee’s downtown districts are the key focal points for cities and towns statewide and help to drive business, tourism and leisure,” said Gov. Lee. “Congratulations to the communities receiving funding through the latest round of TNECD’s Downtown Improvement Grants. We look forward to seeing the continued prosperity our communities experience because of the economic growth these grants will bring.” 

More than $4.76 million in Rural Economic Opportunity funding is being awarded to improve structures in Tennessee Downtowns and Main Street communities. Grants were awarded to organizations that illustrated the need for improvements and the ability to execute an effective design plan for building facades, wayfinding signage, gateways and streetscapes. As part of the program, each new grant recipient will be required to match 25% of the funding received. 

“Tennessee’s downtown districts are not only home to local government, but they also serve as a hub for commerce and tourism in our communities,” said Commissioner McWhorter. “I commend our city and county leaders who have taken the necessary steps to revitalize and improve their downtowns, which will in turn spur job creation and drive economic growth.” 

Communities receiving Downtown Improvement Grants are: 

  • Columbia, $300,000  
  • Cookeville, OperationCityScape, $255,000 
  • Covington Economic Development Corporation, $300,000  
  • Cumberland Gap, Guardians of the Gap LLC, $300,000 
  • Fayetteville, $225,000 
  • Main Street Greeneville, $300,000  
  • Jackson Downtown Development Corporation, $300,000  
  • Jonesborough, $104,494  
  • Downtown Kingsport Association, $300,000  
  • Downtown Maryville Alliance, $233,027  
  • Morristown, $300,000  
  • Main Street Murfreesboro, $300,000  
  • Oneida, $202,775  
  • Somerville, $300,000  
  • Tellico Plains, Monroe County, $235,128  
  • Tracy City, $214,005 
  • Trenton, $300,000 
  • Winchester, $300,000 

 “I’m excited to see more Tennessee communities secure funding to help restore and revitalize their downtown districts,” said TNECD Main Street Director Kim Parks. “These grants will help stimulate economy, tourism and job creation for years to come.” 

To be eligible for a Downtown Improvement Grant, communities had to submit an application and be a designated Tennessee Downtowns or Tennessee Main Street community. To learn more about the Downtown Improvement Grant Program, visit the website here. 

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