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Olive Branch joins Mississippi Main Street program; board approves membership
Summary
The Board of Aldermen approved joining the Mississippi Main Street network after a presentation on grant, technical assistance, and marketing benefits available to participating communities.
The Olive Branch Board of Aldermen voted to rejoin the Mississippi Main Street network and to pursue program pathways aimed at downtown revitalization and grant eligibility.
Jennifer Lay, a Mississippi Main Street representative and Olive Branch native, told the board the program uses a place-based, incremental approach to downtown revitalization and provides technical assistance, grant opportunities and statewide advocacy. Beth Rainey, grants director for Mississippi Main Street, attended and described the organization’s role in identifying and assisting with funding opportunities.
Council members pressed staff and the Main Street representatives on grant history and funding amounts. Lay said the program has 49 designated programs and about 84 total members across all membership tiers. She described past ARPA-supported grants and a Main Street revitalization grant that is allocated by the Mississippi legislature on a year-to-year basis. Lay cited Biloxi’s recent planning grant of about $317,000 as an example of how planning work can lead to multimillion-dollar projects.
Kim Terrell, communications director for the city, was identified by the mayor as the staff lead on the Main Street effort; the mayor praised the communications team and asked staff to coordinate with Main Street representatives. The board approved a motion by Mr. Wallace, seconded by Miss Hamilton, to complete the city’s membership and proceed with Main Street participation; the motion carried on a voice vote.
Board members said they will hold a meeting with Old Town merchants and business owners to chart next steps and assign staff oversight. Main Street representatives said they provide application assistance for grants and maintain a statewide advocacy presence to pursue funding at state and federal levels.
Votes at a glance
- Motion to complete membership and join Mississippi Main Street Association: Mover — Mr. Wallace; Second — Miss Hamilton; Outcome — approved (voice vote).
