HomeMy Public PortalAboutTOL NR 2023-01-11 Leesburg Town Council Approves Further Development of Mainstreet Program
Town of Leesburg
News Release
For Immediate Release
January 11, 2023
Media Contact:
Leah Kosin, Assistant Public Information Officer
pio@leesburgva.gov 703-771-2781
Leesburg Town Council Approves Further Development of
Main Street Program
Leesburg, VA (January 11, 2023) – On Tuesday, the Leesburg Town Council voted unanimously
to authorize the Department of Economic Development to further develop the Virginia Main
Street Program for the Historic District in downtown Leesburg.
In November 2021, the Town became a Main Street Community at the Tier 1 level, which
provides access to training and grant opportunities. During the past four months, staff has
employed numerous means of outreach to the local business and residential community.
Response from this outreach showed a strong support for a Main Street program by the local
community. Main Street programs are designed to leverage private and public investment
towards the preservation and continued success of historic downtowns and communities.
In December 2022, a Steering Committee, consisting of local business owners and residents
from the Leesburg community, was established by staff to provide guidance and
communication. Currently, this committee meets twice per month and serves as the initial
representation of the local Main Street organization.
To date, the development and initial implementation of the program has been accomplished
with minimal investment. In October 2022, the Town was approved for a Community Vitality
Grant from the state in the amount of $7,000.
The next step involves pursuing Tier 2 and Tier 3 Main Street Community status by using the
grant to prepare for the development of a 501C3 Main Street management organization. This
effort would include continuing to work with the established Steering Committee that has been
formed to informally provide guidance and communication with the community. The
Department of Economic Development will provide the $2,000 required matching amount from
the approved Fiscal Year 2023 budget.
Staff will continue development of the program and subsequently apply for Tier 2 status. The
earliest that an application can be submitted for Tier 2 is November 2024. The process of
moving through the program tiers to become a fully accredited Tier 3 Main Street program is
expected to take several years. The Council will evaluate further Town financial commitments
to the program as its development continues.
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