Media Contact
Name: Amy Mehaffey
Title: Communications & Main Street Director
Phone: 936-559-2573
Email address: mehaffeya@ci.nacogdoches.tx.us
The Texas Main Street Program (TMSP) of the Texas Historical Commission (THC) has recognized The Nacogdoches Main Street Program for successful annual progress in carrying out national performance standards for a Main Street community. The Nacogdoches Main Street Program is one of 68 to be recommended this year.
Upon final approval by the National Main Street Center/Main Street America™, these local programs will be announced as nationally accredited during the Main Street Now conference March 25-27 in Seattle, Wash.
“Since 1981, many Texas communities have participated in the Main Street network and used its preservation-based framework to generate positive economic gains for their local economies and the state,” said THC Executive Director Mark Wolfe. “These positive strides happen because of local commitment to prioritize historic downtowns.”
To achieve accreditation, local programs provide evidence of annual progress under selection criteria including engaged partnerships, staffing, volunteer efforts, preservation ethic, physical improvements in the district, and growth in program capacity. The state office also works with programs throughout the year providing services catered to local needs.
“The annual reporting process recognizes the hard work of local programs, and we commend the dedication of city leaders, program staff, local volunteers, and partners who make it possible,” said Debra Drescher, TMSP state coordinator.
The TMSP began in 1981 as one of the first state-coordinating programs in the country. Local Main Street programs focus on responsibly utilizing a community’s historic assets for economic benefit and increased quality of life. During 2018, more than $180 million was reinvested into Texas’ 89 Main Street districts. Additionally, 427 small businesses and 1,480 jobs were created. During 2018, the state network reached an important milestone when $4 billion in historical reinvestment was reached and surpassed.
The application to become a Main Street community will be available in late February. Applications are due July 31, 2019. For additional information about the national Main Street effort, visit mainstreet.org. For more information on the THC’s Texas Main Street Program, visit thc.texas.gov/mainstreet
