Yerington Main Street Committee outlines grants and downtown revitalization goals for 2026

Melanie Ann Pinkerton, executive director of the Yerington Main Street Committee, briefed the Lyon County Board of County Commissioners on March 19 about the group's start in 2024 and its work to revitalize downtown Yerington.

Pinkerton said the committee has received $25,000 from the Governor's Office of Economic Development for historical markers and a facade grant program and has applied for other grants — including a T‑Mobile quarterly grant opportunity and a $49,000 request for the Yerington Arts & Cultural District. The committee described a facade program that would reimburse up to 50% of eligible improvements (up to $5,000 per project), and outlined projects such as new banners, light poles, benches, murals and a historic playhouse to be built with community partners and raffled as a fundraiser.

"Sustainable funding for Main Street programs is essential...we are economic drivers that support small business, attract visitors and enhance overall vitality of our downtowns," Pinkerton said, urging continued local support and partnerships with city and county entities.

Commissioners praised the committee's progress and suggested connecting with local high-school shop programs to help construct the historic playhouse as a community project. Pinkerton said she will host a community input meeting on April 9 at the Yerington Chamber of Commerce for a 250th‑anniversary mural project funded by the Nevada Arts Council.

The presentation was informational only; the board did not take action on funding at the meeting.