Seven municipalities join Tennessee Downtowns program

The Tennessee Downtowns program has selected seven municipalities among its latest cohort. 

Dyer, Harriman, Henning, Medina, Moscow, Red Bank, and Rutledge are now among the 97  communities selected for the program. Begun in 2010, Tennessee Downtowns is in its tenth round aiding municipalities in the pursuit of the Main Street America approach to downtown revitalization. 

Tennessee Deputy Gov. and Department of Economic and Community Development Commissioner Stuart C. McWhorter said the program helps local communities revitalize traditional commercial districts, enhance community livability, spur job creation and maintain the historic character of downtown districts. 

“Our downtown districts are vital to a community’s economy,” said Deputy Gov. and TNECD Commissioner Stuart C. McWhorter. “Since taking office, Gov. Bill Lee has remained committed to expanding opportunity across rural Tennessee because what happens in rural communities matters to all Tennesseans. I applaud the local leaders in these seven communities for taking the next step in applying for this program, which will in turn attract new investment and tourism in their downtowns.” 

The two-year program coaches selected communities and their steering committees through the steps of launching effective renewal efforts. Tennessee Downtowns includes community training through the National Main Street Center’s Four-Point Approach® and a $20,000 innovation grant for a downtown improvement project. 

“Congratulations to the seven communities we’re proud to welcome into the Tennessee Downtowns program,” said Tennessee Main Street Director Kim Parks. “We look forward to continuing to partner with these communities to make all of Tennessee a better place to live, work and raise a family.” 

The seven newly selected communities all have downtown commercial districts established at least 50 years ago and demonstrated their readiness to organize efforts for downtown revitalization according to Main Street America principles. The highly competitive selection process was based on historic commercial resources, economic and physical need, demonstrated local effort, overall presentation and probability of success. 

Tennessee Downtowns communities that complete the program are eligible for additional Downtown Improvement Grants as well as Main Street designation after completion of the Downtowns program. There are currently 49 nationally accredited Main Street communities in Tennessee, 14 of which successfully completed the Tennessee Downtowns program prior to their national accreditation. 

Each application was supported by the community’s senator and representatives in the Tennessee General Assembly.