Mississippi Main Street Association Awards Community Development Grants 2025-2026
01.09.2026
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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Media Contact: Lila Winfield, Marketing and Outreach Specialist |
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MISSISSIPPI MAIN STREET ASSOCIATION AWARDS COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT GRANTS |
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The Mississippi Main Street Association has awarded grant funds to 19 Main Street programs for downtown improvements. MMSA Designated Communities were able to apply for individual funds of up to $2,500 with a required matching investment for shovel-ready brick and mortar projects, as well as consulting services that may be used to carry out a Designated Community’s program of work. The Community Development Grant may be used for a wide range of projects as long as the project’s purpose supports the revitalization goals of the community. "We are so pleased to offer and award Community Development grants to our Designated and Network members,” said Jeannie Waller Zieren, MMSA Executive Director. “These projects are part of the incremental, positive impact that downtown revitalization has on the entire community and local economy.” Aberdeen Amory Main Street will use grant funds to update public arts projects through the Volunteer Ambassador Program. Batesville Main Street will use grant funds to support the downtown landscaping beautification efforts. Biloxi Main Street will use grant funds to add an informational kiosk to the new Amtrak train stop location. Brandon Main Street will use grant funds for website redevelopment. Main Street Columbus will use grant funds for a mural installation. Main Street Greenville will use grant funds to improve the façade on its new office, which was a previously abandoned building. Downtown Hattiesburg Association will use grant funds to create an artistic mid-block crosswalk. Laurel Main Street will use grant funds to replace deteriorating downtown string lights. The Main Street Chamber of Leake County will use grant funds to add string lights in the downtown areas of Carthage, Walnut Grove and Lena. Nettleton Main Street will use grant funds to renovate the exterior of the Dorothy J. Lowe Library, which is a vital public resource in downtown Nettleton. New Albany Main Street will use grant funds for streetscape improvements to the landscaped bump-outs within its downtown. Olive Branch Main Street will use grant funds to refinish the metal benches in its downtown. Main Street Pascagoula will use grant funds to develop a public art plan and strategy. Main Street Pearl will partner with the Pearl High School Art Department to create the Midtown Pearl Interactive Mural Walk, a vibrant alleyway project with interactive murals and string lighting. Ripley Main Street will use grant funds to install exterior lighting and ADA-compliant entry features to a historic building downtown. Saltillo Main Street will use grant funds for the Connection Walking Track Project. Starkville Main Street will use grant funds to create a four-part Virtual Walking Tour Video Series showcasing Downtown Starkville from the MSU campus to Russell Street, the Cotton District, Midtown, and Main Street. Woodville Main Street will use grant funds for its community garden. ### The mission of the Mississippi Main Street Association is to be a catalyst for the preservation and economic revitalization of Mississippi’s historic downtowns and districts. The Mississippi Main Street Association provides visionary leadership to Mississippi’s most storied places. We foster economic and community development through strategies that promote community engagement, pride of place, and quality design to achieve long-term economic growth. 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. Since 1993, MMSA has provided more than $7 billion in public and private reinvestment back into Main Street communities. For more information, visit www.msmainstreet.com. |
