For more than 40 years, the Main Street America movement has been committed to strengthening communities by revitalizing older and historic downtowns and neighborhood commercial districts through preservation-based economic development.
The Dallas Main Street Program was considered a start-up Main Street program in 2021 and later became a Downtown Affiliate Network. After completing the rigorous accreditation process in January 2023, the Dallas Main Street Program was invited to apply to become a Classic Main Street Program. Becoming an accredited Classic Main Street Program is a mark of distinction. This level of recognition given is for the commitment of building grassroots revitalization programs, fostering strong public-private partnerships, nurturing economic opportunity for small businesses and entrepreneurs, and actively preserving historic places, spaces, and cultural assets. “It has been wonderful to support the City of Dallas on its journey to accreditation over the past two years. While they have a beautiful courthouse, great shops, and tons of opportunities that lie ahead, it’s their leadership and commitment to downtown revitalization that has really set them apart.” -Jessica Reynolds, Director, Office of Downtown Development.
All Classic Main Street programs are annually accredited by the state of Georgia and designated by the National Main Street Center. These communities have set themselves apart by emphasizing historic preservation education and economic development, leading to an active and vibrant downtown.” Dallas Main Street Manager Shannon Gordon says, “When you look at many of the successful downtowns across the state, majority of them are Main Street communities using the proven and successful Main Street Approach. The city of Dallas has worked so hard to become a Main Street Program over the last two years and I can’t wait to see what we are able to accomplish with the help of Georgia Main Street and the resources and knowledge it provides.” In the last year, Dallas Main Street introduced two new events to Downtown which led to record sales days for multiple businesses in our Main Street District. The local program also introduced its own gift certificate program, Downtown Dollars, which can be purchased in the Business Development Office (200 Main Street) and can be spent at 16 participating businesses located in Downtown Dallas and the immediate surrounding Downtown Development Authority (DDA) District.
