Main Street Program

Becoming a Virginia Main Street Community

The Fredericksburg Economic Development Authority (EDA) in May 2011 appointed a six-member Main Street Exploratory Committee. The EDA in its 2010 - 2015 Strategic Plan identified the Main Street program as a model for strengthening the economy and vitality of our downtown. The Main Street program is a national network of over 1,600 towns and cities in over 40 states organized by the National Trust for Historic Preservation.

The Main Street model for building economic vitality downtown is based on the Main Street Four Point Approach:

• Promotion, creating a positive image that will enhance community pride and improve consumer and investor confidence in our commercial district.
• Economic Restructuring, strengthening our community's existing economic assets while diversifying our economic base.
• Organization, establishing consensus and cooperation by building partnerships among the various groups that have a stake in the commercial district.
• Design, getting downtown into top physical shape and creating a safe, inviting environment for shoppers, visitors, and workers.

Virginia has 25 certified Main Street communities supported by the Virginia Department of Housing and Community Development.