NASHVILLE, Tenn. – Tennessee Gov. Bill Lee and Deputy Gov. and Department of Economic and Community Development (TNECD) Commissioner Stuart C. McWhorter announced today the 14 Tennessee Main Street and Tennessee Downtowns communities that are recipients of Downtown Improvement Grants (DIGs).
“Our rural communities are the backbone of our economy, and I’m proud to take part in announcing these grants,” said Gov. Lee. “I’m grateful for local leaders who care deeply about their communities and look forward to seeing the investments they make to ensure all of Tennessee can flourish.”
More than $3.9 million in Rural Economic Opportunity funding is being awarded to improve structures in Tennessee Downtowns and Main Street communities. Grants were awarded to organizations that illustrated the need for improvements and the ability to execute an effective design plan for building facades, wayfinding signage, gateways and streetscapes. As part of the program, each new grant recipient will be required to match 25% of the funding received.
“Vibrant downtowns do not happen by accident — they are built through local vision, long-term planning and collaboration. These grants will help 14 communities turn that vision into visible progress by revitalizing the places where residents gather, businesses grow and visitors experience what makes each community unique,” said Deputy Gov. and Commissioner McWhorter. “We are proud to partner with local leaders as they strengthen their downtowns and build even stronger local economies across Tennessee.”
Communities receiving Downtown Improvement Grants are:
- Centerville, Hickman County, $300,000
- Cleveland, Bradley County, $300,000
- Collinwood, Wayne County, $125,000
- Etowah, McMinn County, $350,000
- Gallatin, Sumner County, $300,341
- Henderson, Chester County, $218,466
- Lenoir City, Loudon County, $225,000
- Main Street Livingston, Overton County, $300,000
- Main Street Union City, Obion County, $300,000
- McKenzie, Carroll County, $311,250
- Mount Pleasant, Maury County, $325,000
- Munford, Tipton County, $350,000
- Newport, Cocke County, $245,511
- Paris, Henry County, $250,000
“We are very excited for these 14 communities who have taken steps to give their residents and visitors a better Tennessee experience,” said TNECD Main Street Director Kim Parks. “Our state’s downtowns possess some of the best hospitality and character of any across the country.”
To be eligible for a Downtown Improvement Grant, communities had to submit an application and be a designated Tennessee Downtowns or Tennessee Main Street community. To learn more about the Downtown Improvement Grant Program, visit the website here.
About the Tennessee Department of Economic and Community Development (TNECD)
TNECD is the state’s primary agency committed to fostering economic growth through job creation and community development. By attracting new corporate investment and facilitating the growth of existing businesses, the department works to strengthen Tennessee’s competitive landscape. Additionally, TNECD strives to increase the economic prosperity for all Tennesseans by providing grants to communities statewide, helping them to become vibrant, business-friendly environments where companies can flourish. For more information, visit us at tnecd.com. Join the conversation on X, Instagram, LinkedIn, Facebook and YouTube.
Media Contacts
TNECD
Chris O’Brien
Public Information Officer
(615) 934-5879
Chris.OBrien@tn.gov