Foley Main Street has been designated as an Accredited Main Street America™ program for meeting rigorous performance standards. Each year, Main Street America and its partners announce the list of Accredited programs to recognize their exceptional commitment to preservation-based economic development and community revitalization through the Main Street Approach™.
“We are extremely proud to recognize this year’s 863 nationally Accredited Main Street America programs that have worked tirelessly to advance economic vitality and quality of life in their downtowns and commercial districts,” said Patrice Frey, President & CEO of Main Street America. “During another incredibly challenging year, these programs demonstrated the power of the Main Street movement to respond to the needs of their communities. I am inspired by their steadfast leadership and innovative solutions to drive essential local recovery efforts, support small businesses, and nurture vibrant downtown districts.”
In 2021, Main Street America programs generated $5.76 billion in local reinvestment, helped open 6,601 net new businesses, generated 30,402 net new jobs, catalyzed the rehabilitation of 10,595 historic buildings, and leveraged 1,427,729 volunteer hours. On average, for every dollar that a Main Street program spent to support their operations, it generated $19.34 of new investment back into Main Street communities.
Foley Main Street, Inc.’s performance is annually evaluated by Main Street Alabama which works in partnership with Main Street America to identify the local programs that meet rigorous national performance standards. Evaluation criteria determines the communities that are building meaningful and sustainable revitalization programs and include standards such as, fostering strong public-private partnerships, supporting small and locally owned businesses, and actively preserving historic places, spaces, and cultural assets.
Since its inception in June 2018, Foley Main Street has recorded 38 net new businesses, $1,038,298 public dollars invested, $6,313,254 private dollars invested, and 2,896 volunteer hours. 2021 was a year to not only recover from COVID but from Hurricane Sally. Promoting Downtown Foley was a priority with money and time spent with traditional and social media advertising. In 2021 Facebook followers grew to 5,000 and Instagram followers almost doubled to 1,600.
Economic interest in downtown is increasing. Façade grant requests grew by 50% and Foley Main Street helped secure the first Historic Tax Credits for a downtown historic building. Fifty-five meetings revolving around economic growth were held in 2021. 2022 has begun with over 48 businesses wanting to either move, expand or open businesses in Downtown Foley. Completion of the Envision Downtown Foley plan in late June will help guide business owners, developers, and the city into the future direction of our downtown. Chad Watkins, volunteer president of Foley Main Street said “Accreditation adds accountability and credibility to any organization, the board and I are proud to work side by side with Darrelyn Dunmore our executive director, and our other volunteers and partners to preserve and improve Downtown Foley, the heart of Foley.”