Main Street Day at the State Capitol
The Mississippi Main Street Association (MMSA) hosted Main Street Day at the Mississippi State Capitol to celebrate 40 years of community and economic development success throughout the state.
The event drew a large crowd of state and local Main Street supporters and legislators. Speakers included Senator Lydia Chassaniol and Representative Jody Steverson who made remarks as the organization shared its economic impact on the state economy and highlighted ongoing downtown revitalization efforts.
“Main Street is a significant part of the upward economic trajectory in Mississippi through placemaking and revitalization, turning empty buildings and blighted properties into thriving places of business in our beautiful downtowns,” said Marlo Dorsey, MMSA Board President.
In 2023, Mississippi Main Street’s 50 local Main Street programs helped generate 372 new businesses, 868 new jobs, 71 business expansions, and catalyzed $78 million in private investment, and $250 million in public investment, just in the state’s Main Street districts.
In addition, there were significant projects completed in the downtown districts in 2023, including 170 rehabilitation projects, 139 public improvement projects, 704 new downtown residential units, and 70 new construction projects.
Main Street is a nationwide preservation-based economic development program, with more than 1,200 local Main Street organizations across the United States. Mississippi’s Main Street program began in 1984 and helps create hundreds of new jobs and new businesses each year in downtown districts throughout Mississippi.
MMSA organized the event, which included directors from Main Street organizations all over the state, state and local board members, state and federal legislators, and other statewide partners, who celebrated Main Street and its positive impact on Mississippi communities and small businesses.
“Main Street builds strong local economies through its revitalization work and sends the message that Mississippi is truly ‘open for business,'” said Jim Miller, MMSA Executive Director. “We are thankful for the ongoing support of the Mississippi Legislature.”
