Main Street Paris has been designated as an Accredited Main Street America™ program for meeting rigorous performance standards. Each year, Main Street America and its partners announce the list of Accredited programs to recognize their exceptional commitment to
preservation-based economic development and community revitalization through the Main Street
Approach™.
“We are very proud to acknowledge this year’s 862 Accredited Main Street America programs, and their steadfast dedication to nurture economically and culturally vibrant downtown districts,” said Hannah White, Interim President & CEO of Main Street America. “The increase in the size and impact of our network speaks volumes to the power of the Main Street movement to respond to the needs of local communities and drive innovative solutions.”
In 2022, Main Street America programs generated $6.2 billion in local reinvestment, helped open 7,657 net new businesses, facilitated the creation of 29,174 net new jobs, catalyzed the rehabilitation of 10,688 historic buildings, and leveraged 1,528,535 volunteer hours. On average, for every dollar that a Main Street program spent to support their operations, it generated $24.07 of new investment back into their downtown communities.
Collectively, 2 million people live or work within the boundaries of designated Main Street America
districts. An estimated workforce of 1.1 million people contribute their skills and expertise to advancing the missions of these historic downtowns and commercial corridors.
The performance of Main Street Paris is annually evaluated by Main Street Arkansas, which works in partnership with Main Street America to identify the local programs that meet rigorous national
performance standards. To qualify for Accreditation status, communities must meet a set of rigorous standards that include commitments to building grassroots revitalization programs, fostering strong public-private partnerships, nurturing economic opportunity for small businesses and entrepreneurs, and actively preserving historic places, spaces, and cultural assets.
Ten new businesses moved into the Paris Main Street District during 2022. The organization offered grants for facade improvements, free design services and a business forum for owners, in addition to updating the information kiosk and upgrading street signs throughout downtown. Main Street Paris created a brand, built a website (mainstreetparis.com) and significantly increased its social media reach.
The organization would not be possible without its volunteer Board of Directors and others performing 579 hours of unpaid work valued at $14,000.
“Accreditation through Main Street America affords Main Street Paris grant money, as well as a myriad of educational opportunities to help us support the prosperity of downtown Paris. It’s an honor to be part of the national movement to nurture downtown districts.” -Heather Mayes, Executive Director, Main Street Paris
ABOUT MAIN STREET PARIS
Main Street Paris ensures that downtown Paris, Arkansas remains an important and prosperous part of the community. The organization is a 501(c)3 nonprofit, accredited through Main Street America, created to stimulate revitalization of historic downtown Paris. It provides capital, incentives and economic tools to assist new and existing businesses to ensure economic vitality. The uniqueness of Paris, AR is celebrated through a community design that enhances its physical assets. Upgraded street signs, Eiffel Tower Park and planted flowers are a few examples. Main Street Paris develops public events that position downtown as the center of the Paris community and hub of economic activity, while creating a positive image that showcases its unique characteristics. For more information, visit mainstreetparis.com.
ABOUT MAIN STREET AMERICA
Main Street America leads a movement committed to strengthening communities through
preservation-based economic development in older and historic downtowns and neighborhood
commercial districts. For more than 40 years, Main Street America has provided a practical, adaptable, and impactful framework for community-driven, comprehensive revitalization through the Main Street Approach™. Our network of more than 1,600 neighborhoods and communities, rural and urban, share both a commitment to place and to building stronger communities through preservation-based economic development. Since 1980, communities participating in the program have generated more than $101.58 billion in new public and private investment, generated 168,693 net new businesses and 746,897 net new jobs, rehabilitated more than 325,119 buildings, and levered over 33.7 million volunteer hours. Main Street America is a nonprofit subsidiary of the National Trust for Historic Preservation. For more information, visit mainstreet.org
