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Lincoln County Main Street director announces $300,000 downtown improvements grant, rising visitor numbers
Summary
Main Street director Amy Byrd told commissioners the program won a $300,000 downtown improvements grant (25% property-owner match) and reported increases in downtown visitation and youth engagement initiatives.
Amy Byrd, Lincoln County Main Street director, told the commission Jan. 21 that the program received a downtown improvements grant valued at $300,000 that will offer a 25% property-owner match and award grants up to $20,000 in project value.
Byrd said property owners could receive up to $15,000 toward a project such as rebricking storefronts and that her office is waiting for state guidance on application timing. She said Main Street staff will work with the property assessor to compile a list of eligible properties and ensure broad outreach.
Byrd also reported community and marketing metrics: seven First Saturday events in 2024 brought about 32,700 attendees downtown, the Main Street social-media campaign reached about 1.4 million people in 2024, and evening traffic at 6 p.m. increased from 211,000 visitors in 2023 to 220,000 in 2024. She said 60% of First Saturday visitors only visited one business and the program is encouraging more multi-stop visits through sidewalk improvements and promotions.
She described youth engagement programs including a Youth Leaders Council of 15 students from three high schools and a homeschool student, scholarship fundraising and a passport/mixer initiative to support local businesses. Byrd said the Main Street program is booking events through 2025 and planning a feature in Taste of the South magazine’s small-town issue in March.
Why it matters: The grant and marketing results aim to strengthen downtown economic activity, support small-business facades and increase foot traffic that benefits merchants and local tourism.
What comes next: Staff will await state guidance on grant applications and notify property owners about the program once application details are available.
