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Alexandria board backs Certified Tennessee Downtowns Program to unlock future downtown grants
Summary
The board voted to adopt a resolution supporting participation in the Certified Tennessee Downtowns Program, a prerequisite for certain Downtown Improvement Grants in 2026–27; members asked staff to clarify mandatory program requirements before related expenditures proceed.
The Alexandria Board of Mayor and Aldermen voted on June 16 to adopt Resolution 202-606-01 to participate in the Certified Tennessee Downtowns Program, a statewide initiative administered by the Tennessee Department of Economic and Community Development intended to support downtown revitalization, historic preservation and heritage tourism.
Staff read the resolution outlining program goals and noted that participation is required to be eligible for Tennessee Downtown Improvement Grants in 2026 and 2027. At the meeting several members asked for detail on the program’s mandatory requirements and raised concern about an indicated filing timeline; staff acknowledged they did not have the full list of mandatory requirements available and said a special meeting could be scheduled to finalize any outstanding documents before submittal.
Council discussion referenced grant funding opportunities (one board member characterized available grant funding as about $100,000 to be divided among awardees and said participation opens the town to future, umbrella grants for projects such as a pedestrian bridge). After questions and a short debate about timing, the board voted to adopt the resolution and authorized the mayor and/or designated staff to execute the required application materials.
Board members asked staff to confirm the program’s mandatory commitments before signing contracts related to specific projects. The resolution takes effect immediately upon adoption, per the language read at the meeting.
