Tennessee Gov. Bill Lee and Department of Economic and Community Development Commissioner Stuart C. McWhorter recently announced the recipients of Downtown Improvement Grants, including Main Street: Greeneville, the Town of Jonesborough, and the Downtown Kingsport Association. These grants, part of the Tennessee Main Street and Tennessee Downtowns programs, aim to support revitalizing downtown areas across the state.
Main Street: Greeneville and the Downtown Kingsport Association will receive $300,000 while the Town of Jonesborough will receive $104,494. These funds will support projects such as building facades, wayfinding signage, gateways, and streetscapes. As part of the program, recipients are required to provide a 25% match to the awarded funds.
“Downtowns are the heart of communities in Northeast Tennessee, serving as hubs for economic activity, culture, and tourism,” said Lance Lowery, Community Development Manager. “The First Tennessee Development District (FTDD) is proud to administer these grants on behalf of Greeneville, Jonesborough, and Kingsport, ensuring their vision for revitalized downtowns becomes a reality.”
As part of the grant implementation process, each community will develop an application process for selecting specific improvement projects. This approach ensures that funding will target areas with the most significant potential for economic and community impact. Local leaders are eager to involve community members and businesses in shaping the future of their downtown areas.
Main Street Greeneville
“We are thrilled to receive this funding, which will allow us to enhance the beauty and functionality of downtown Greeneville,” said Jann Mirkov, Executive Director of Main Street: Greeneville. “Our application process will focus on projects that preserve our rich history while encouraging economic growth.”
Downtown Kingsport Association
“Kingsport’s downtown is thriving, and this funding will help us build on that momentum,” said Robin Cleary, Senior Director of Downtown Kingsport Association. “Our application process will prioritize projects that enhance the experience for residents, visitors, and businesses alike.”
Main Street Jonesborough
"This grant is truly a catalyst for Jonesborough, sparking new opportunities for growth and development in our community.” said Main Street Director, Cameo Waters. “We are excited to see expansion in significant ways, bringing positive change, fostering innovation and enhancing the resident and visitor experience. This investment will pave the way for new projects and strengthen our local economy."
The communities will announce more details about their respective application processes in the coming weeks. For updates, residents and stakeholders are encouraged to follow announcements from the respective organizations.
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