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Downtown director says taxable sales doubled since 2019; Main Street accreditation site visit set for Feb. 24
Summary
Sarah Anks, executive director of Downtown, told the council about rising taxable sales, new businesses, grants and events in 2024 and invited council to a Missouri Main Street site visit Feb. 24 as the downtown program pursues accreditation.
Sarah Anks, executive director of Downtown, briefed the Lebanon City Council on Jan. 27 about 2024 results and the program's plans, saying downtown taxable sales have doubled since Downtown hired its first director in 2019.
Anks gave specific statistics: taxable sales increased from about $5,000,000 in 2019 to about $10,000,000 in 2023; eight facade improvement grants were approved in 2024 totaling $23,000 (a program total of $187,667 across 37 grants since inception); nearly 2,000 volunteer hours in 2024 estimated at about $60,000 in value; and Downtown recorded roughly 1,600,000 views and 657,000 unique accounts on social media in 2024.
She highlighted new businesses (Cafe Jude's and Massey's Comics), the 02/29 space that attracted more than 60 small-business applicants, and the expansion of the downtown district's footprint to include Madison and the Farmer's Market area. Anks said events drew substantial attendance: a March 1 First Friday coinciding with trout season brought about 4,000 visitors; the cruise-in drew about 4,000; the combined First Friday and Cackle Hatchery Festival two-day event brought nearly 8,000 visitors; Trick-or-Treat on Commercial drew roughly 5,000; and Christmas on Commercial drew about 6,000 attendees and a record 150 UTVs.
Anks discussed program tools used in 2024, including temporary street-closing signage and a facade grant program that leveraged private investment ($143,000 projected investment tied to the 2024 grants). She said Downtown has an active art committee, volunteer base (44 board and committee members) and is partnering with Fort Leonard Wood, the Chamber of Commerce and regional economic development on newcomer "Arrive Strong" events.
She said the urban park is under construction and that a Missouri Main Street accreditation site visit is scheduled for Monday, Feb. 24 at 5:30 p.m.; she invited council members to attend. No formal council action was requested; council members asked questions about funding for facade grants, maintenance plans for the urban park and amenities such as restrooms.
Anks closed by thanking the council for support and noting the downtown program plans to continue its event lineup and expand First Friday to include art and history walks.
