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New Leesburg Movement director lays out Main Street program, events and downtown initiatives
Summary
Leesburg Movement presented an annual report including accreditation progress in Virginia Main Street, event summaries (Mistletoe Market, Listening Room), marketing and a sidewalk dining/doorway beautification program; organizers said they will continue collaboration with the town.
Leesburg Movement, the downtown Main Street‑style nonprofit, presented its annual report to the Town Council on May 11, outlining organizational progress since it incorporated in July 2024, program priorities under the Main Street America framework and planned events for 2025.
New executive director (name provided in the presentation; transcript speaker labeled as “new executive director”) described the board and steering committees, said the organization achieved nonprofit status in 2024 and accepted a mobilizing Main Street cohort designation in January 2025. The group said it expects to complete its current tier status by December 2026 and described the four point Main Street framework it is following.
Leesburg Movement reported several accomplishments and ongoing initiatives: a monthly newsletter with a 65% open rate, the Mistletoe Market and a rebranded holiday market held on the same day as the town tree lighting, the Leesburg Listening Room concert series held in local businesses, a neighborhood discount program for town residents, a sidewalk sale moving to August, a restaurant week planned for mid‑July, and a restaurant/retail map sponsored by an upcoming hotel. The group highlighted advocacy work with the town on the extended sidewalk dining trial and a doorway beautification project that included murals.
The director said the group launched its website in October 2024 and is pursuing expanded regional publicity and partnerships with local businesses. The organization asked for continued town collaboration and highlighted upcoming activity including a public open house for Public Works and plant tours, event partnerships and volunteer engagement.
What it means: Leesburg Movement is positioning itself as a coordinated downtown advocacy and events organization, focusing on business activation, placemaking and resident engagement, while coordinating with town departments on pilot projects such as extended sidewalk dining.
Speakers: The presentation was delivered by the new executive director of Leesburg Movement and referenced partnership staff Lisa Bee Wood (spelled Lisonbee in the transcript) from the town and other local business partners. Council expressed appreciation and encouraged continued collaboration.
