Downtown Roadmap to be held for Leake County, Oct. 6-9

09.30.2025

CARTHAGE, Miss. (Oct. 1, 2025) — On Oct. 6-9, the Mississippi Main Street Association (MMSA) will conduct a Downtown Roadmap for The Main Street Chamber of Leake County (MSCLC) that includes the communities of Carthage, Walnut Grove and Lena. This program is generously supported by a grant from the Community Foundation for Mississippi (CFM).

The purpose of the Downtown Roadmap is to provide MSCLC with an updated strategic framework or "roadmap" with prioritized recommendations and specific implementation tactics for the next three to five years as the organization continues to guide the downtown revitalization activities for the communities of Carthage, Walnut Grove, and Lena.

"We strongly believe in providing opportunities for the communities we serve to assess and collectively create solutions for their own communities," said Melody Thortis, CFM Director of Strategic Impact and Programs. "We are thrilled to be partnering with the Mississippi Main Street Association as well as the Main Street Chamber of Leake County to support their efforts to identify and see their ideas for revitalization come to fruition."

"It as a joy for CFM to support community-led projects such as these. We are proud to be a part of this roadmap and can't wait to see what's next for the people of Leake County," Thortis added.

The Downtown Roadmap team will be in Carthage on Oct. 6, Lena on Oct. 7, and Walnut Grove on Oct. 8. Community members are invited to attend a final presentation on Thursday, Oct. 9 at 12 p.m. at the The Main Street Chamber of Leake County office in downtown Carthage.

The Downtown Roadmap will be facilitated by Randy Wilson of Community Design Solutions and Andy Kalback of Kalback Design Studio. The visit will be comprehensive, and the team's investigation, observations, recommendations, and presentation will follow the Main Street Approach™ to downtown revitalization.

“We are excited about our partnership with the Community Foundation for Mississippi and are looking forward to continuing to support The Main Street Chamber of Leake County and build upon the revitalization momentum in Carthage, Walnut Grove and Lena," said Jeannie Zieren, MMSA Executive Director. "Small, rural towns make up most of our state, and building on their existing assets and enhancing the quality of life for residents will help grow their local economies and attract people to visit and live."

The team will provide recommendations for the communities based on information gathered through a review of prior planning documents, community tours, interviews, and input sessions with stakeholders in each community.

The team will send a final report to the Main Street Chamber of Leake County following the Downtown Roadmap visit that will contain all of the recommendations from the final presentation.

"The Roadmap Refresh is an exciting step forward for Leake County," said Dakota Presley, MSCLC Executive Director. "Our previous plan, when we became a Designated Main Street Community in 2008, helped guide us for many years but it's time for a fresh vision. This new project will focus on making our communities' destinations for both residents and visitors. From park upgrades to improved walkability and building beautification, we’re working to create vibrant, welcoming spaces that will improve the quality of life and commerce in our downtowns."

"The future of our Square County is bright, and we’re excited to shape it through thoughtful planning, community pride, and visioning!" Presley said. 

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About the Mississippi Main Street Association

The mission of the Mississippi Main Street Association (MMSA) is to be a catalyst for the preservation and economic revitalization of Mississippi’s historic downtowns and districts. Since 1993, MMSA has provided more than $7 billion in public and private re-investment back into Main Street communities. MMSA empowers Mississippi’s local Main Street leaders to create vibrant places and thriving economies by implementing the Main Street Approach — organization, design, promotion, and economic vitality. For more information, visit msmainstreet.com.

About the Community Foundation for Mississippi

The mission of The Community Foundation for Mississippi (CFM) is to connect philanthropic resources to community needs for long-term, sustainable impact. Through leadership, partnerships, and innovation, CFM works with nonprofits, donors, government, and community stakeholders to address pressing issues and create thriving communities across its service area. CFM currently supports work in 22 counties in the state, awarding tens of millions in grants and scholarships and stewarding a multi-million‑dollar endowment. For more information, visit formississippi.org.