12 Tennessee Main Streets selected for revitalization in state initiative

Since the Tennessee Main Street program’s inception in 2010, 78 rural commercial districts have been improved. These 12 new additions bring that total number up to 90.

clifton-tn-antique-district_By-Austin-via-Adobe-Stock.png

The antique district in Clifton, Tennessee, was accredited by the Tennessee Main Street program in 2021 after their participation in the project. (Photo by Austin via Adobe Stock)

Photo by Austin via Adobe Stock

The Tennessee Dept. of Economic and Community Development (TNECD) announced the next group of rural communities selected to participate in the Tennessee Main Street program. The state economic initiative provides these towns with the resources needed to revitalize their downtown areas and attract more business growth while maintaining their historical character.

The communities selected for the ninth round of this initiative are Adamsville, Baxter, Byrdstown, Camden, Decatur, Gleason, Jellico, Loudon, McEwen, Munford, Spring City, and Wartrace.

“The investments we make in rural Tennessee benefit all Tennesseans, and the Tennessee Downtowns program allows us to equip some of our most rural communities with the tools needed to better develop and revitalize their downtown districts. I congratulate the 12 communities participating in the latest round of the program and look forward to seeing how their downtowns flourish and attract new growth in the years to come.”
Stuart C. McWhorter, TNECD Commissioner

All 12 Tennessee towns selected have commercial districts that were established at least 50 years ago and have expressed serious interest in readiness for downtown revitalization. According to TNECD, the program involves an extensive and selective application process. Once selected, community leaders participate in a two-year training program to learn the Main Street Four-Point Approach, which includes the four principles of design, economic restructuring, promotion, and organization developed by the National Main Street Center. Each town also gets a $15,000 grant for a community revitalization project.

For more information on the Tennessee Main Street program eligibility requirements, application process, and how to apply, click here. If you live outside of Tennessee and want to learn how to bring Main Street America’s resources to your rural community, visit https://www.mainstreet.org.

Related Stories
BOI reaches the Supreme Court.
Rural areas across the United States are experiencing significant shortages of attorneys, CPAs and other tax professionals, creating “legal deserts” that hinder farmers and ranchers’ access to essential business services.
Citi Bank is sounding the alarm about a convincing new banking scam leaving customers confused and cashless.

Marion is a digital content manager for RFD-TV and The Cowboy Channel. She started working for Rural Media Group in May 2022, bringing a decade of experience in the digital side of broadcast media as well as some professional cooking experience to the team.
Rural Lifestyle & Entertainment Shows
The affable and unassuming international singing star Daniel O’Donnell is one of Ireland’s best known performers – from Australia to Alaska.
Join popular polka performer Mollie Busta as she hosts the weekly “Mollie B Polka Party” on RFD-TV! The one-hour program features the nation’s top polka bands and a wide variety of ethnic styles produced on location at music festivals from around the country.
Dailey & Vincent are BACK ON RFD-TV for another great season, brought to you by Gus Arrendale & Springer Mountain Farms. Join them as they welcome scores of fabulous bluegrass, country, and gospel music acts as special guests!
Ray’s Roadhouse is a weekly program featuring the music of Ray Benson and Asleep at the Wheel. Ray and his band Asleep at the Wheel has had a more than 50 year career in the music industry and over the years have earned nine Grammy Awards. The program also will feature guest performers such as Pat Green, Stoney LaRue and Kelly Willis.
For more than 20 years on the air during its original run, HEE HAW did more than simply make people laugh; it made an unforgettable mark on country music and became an American Institution.