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Elkton wins VML Innovation Award for Downtown Marketplace
Summary
Elkton received the 2024 Virginia Municipal League Innovation Award (economic development) for the Elkton Downtown Marketplace, a roughly $1 million community-funded park and pavilion that the town says revitalizes its downtown without raising property taxes.
Mayor Joshua J. Gooden announced that the Town of Elkton won the 2024 Virginia Municipal League Innovation Award in economic development for the Elkton Downtown Marketplace.
The VML description read at the meeting highlights the project as community-built and community-funded: "Now completed, the Elkton Downtown Marketplace serves as the epitome of a project built by the community, for the community." Council members and staff described the Marketplace as a pavilion for a farmers' market (launched in July), a performance stage, green space and parking intended to revive the long-standing "Lawn Party Hill" tradition.
Town Manager Greg Lunsford told council the construction totaled around $1 million and was funded through a mix of $400,000 in federal ARPA funds, $400,000 in local donations, approximately $200,000 from the sale of town-owned real estate, and community fundraising (Elkton Elementary School students contributed $1,112.02). Officials emphasized that the project was completed without using general real estate or personal property tax revenue.
Council members said the Marketplace is intended to act as a stimulus for downtown businesses, local farmers and artisans. No formal action was required; the announcement was made during the regular meeting opening.
