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RICHMOND, VA - Governor Abigail Spanberger today announced $615,000 in grant awards to support 22 community revitalization projects across Virginia downtowns through the Virginia Department of Housing and Community Development's Virginia Main Street program.
The funding awards combine $445,000 in Downtown Investment Grants across 10 localities and $170,000 in Community Vitality Grants across 12 localities. These investments will also leverage more than $230,000 in local public and private funding to spark business development and infrastructure improvements to strengthen Virginia's historic downtowns.
"Revitalizing our main streets means supporting small businesses and thriving communities in every corner of the Commonwealth," said Governor Abigail Spanberger. "Local public improvements are integral to creating safer and healthier communities, new jobs, and a more affordable future. Walkable, vibrant, and unique downtowns are central to attracting businesses, encouraging tourism, and revitalizing communities where Virginians want to live and work."
The Virginia Main Street program follows the Main Street Approach™ of Main Street America, enabling communities to breathe new life into blighted buildings, support independent businesses, and build mixed-use downtowns. In 2025, for example, Virginia Main Street communities generated more than $41 million in private investment and $10 million in public improvements while helping to create or retain more than 1,200 jobs. Downtown Wytheville won the 2026 Greater American Main Street Award for leading one of the nation's most dramatic downtown turnarounds, reducing vacancy rates from 42 percent in 2014 to just 4 percent in 2026.
"Governor Spanberger is committed to growing an economy that delivers for every Virginian by approaching economic and community development as a holistic effort," said Secretary of Commerce and Trade Carrie Chenery. "By supporting downtown vitality and small business growth, we are supercharging Virginia's economy and building a durable future filled with opportunity for all Virginians."
The 10 Downtown Investment Grant awards will finance one-time physical improvement projects or provide technical assistance in creating vibrant downtowns in eligible Main Street communities. This cycle of awards leverages $237,000 in local investments for job creation, housing development, wayfinding, streetscape transformations, storefront activations and public events and art installations.
The 12 Community Vitality Grant awards will assist eligible Main Street communities by financing one-time projects that advance Main Street efforts or providing technical assistance in downtown revitalization and organizational development. Of the $170,000 in awards, $60,000 is supported by the U.S. Department of Agriculture's Rural Community Development Initiative. Funded initiatives include wayfinding systems, organizational development plans, digital communication platforms, placemaking projects, business support programs, alleyway activations, and digital kiosks.
"Our team at DHCD is committed to partnering with local leadership to build stronger, more resilient communities," said Director of the Virginia Department of Housing and Community Development Tamarah Holmes, Ph.D. "These 22 projects demonstrate incredible readiness and alignment with community goals. We look forward to providing continued technical assistance to ensure every award delivers lasting economic and physical transformation."
Downtown Investment Grant awards are listed below:
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