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State Main Street deputy director outlines program tiers, grants and benefits; board will "mull it over"
Summary
Beth Rainey of the Mississippi Main Street Association presented the program's four-point approach, membership tiers (associate: $500; network: $1,500; designated: $2,650) and grant opportunities including a revitalization grant; the board asked for time to consider membership and look for a potential director.
Beth Rainey, deputy director of the Mississippi Main Street Association, told the board the program uses a four-point approach — design, organization, promotion and economic vitality — to revitalize historic downtowns and commercial districts. She outlined three membership tiers: associate ($500/year), network ($1,500/year, two-year pathway), and designated ($2,650/year) and said designated communities are eligible for greater services and grant funding.
Rainey described grant opportunities and technical support available through the state program, including a proposed Mississippi revitalization grant (NMSRG) she said could provide up to $500,000 for downtown projects (some grants require an 18% local match). She said Main Street offers training, branding, board development, and in-person site visits; Rainey encouraged the board to begin as an associate member and pursue the network pathway if the community commits to a director and an organizational board. The board took no vote and agreed to consider the proposal and potentially revisit the item at a future meeting.
