Beaumont added to accredited Main Street America program

Beaumont added to accredited Main Street America program

Executive director Tom Bell was among the Beaumont Main Street (BMS) brimming with excitement as the unofficial start of summer also heralded in the official begging of BMS’ official designation as an Accredited Main Street America ™ program for meeting rigorous performance standards. Each year, Main Street America and its partners announce the list of Accredited programs to recognize “exceptional commitment to preservation-based economic development and community revitalization through the Main Street Approach.”

“We are very proud to acknowledge this year’s 862 Accredited Main Street America programs, and their steadfast dedication to nurture economically and culturally vibrant downtown districts,” said Hannah White, Interim President & CEO of Main Street America. “The increase in the size and impact of our network speaks volumes to the power of the Main Street movement to respond to the needs of local communities and drive innovative solutions.”

In 2022, Main Street America programs generated $6.2 billion in local reinvestment, helped open 7,657 net new businesses, facilitated the creation of 29,174 net new jobs, catalyzed the rehabilitation of 10,688 historic buildings, and leveraged 1,528,535 volunteer hours, Main Street America data revealed. On average, for every dollar that a Main Street program spent to support their operations, $24.07 of new investment was generated back into downtown communities.

Collectively, 2 million people live or work within the boundaries of designated Main Street America districts. An estimated workforce of 1.1 million people contribute their skills and expertise to advancing the missions of these historic downtowns and commercial corridors.

“Beaumont Main Street’s performance is annually evaluated by the Texas Historical Commission, which works in partnership with Main Street America to identify the local programs that meet the national performance standards,” Bell said. “To qualify for Accreditation status, our organization had to meet a set of new standards that proves accountability to building grassroots revitalization programs, fosters strong public-private partnerships, nurtures economic opportunity for small businesses and entrepreneurs, and actively preserves historic places, spaces, and cultural assets.”

The assessment used to determine recognition is based on standards that examine broad-based community commitment, inclusive leadership and organizational capacity, diverse funding and sustainable operations, strategy-driven programming, preservation-based economic development and demonstrated impact and results.

“It is an honor to receive the recognition as a 2023 Accredited Program,” added Bell. “Beaumont Main Street is an advocate not only for brick and mortar; we work to positively promote the historical district and help create a healthy and vibrant downtown.”

For more information, visit mainstreet.org.