The Tennessee Dept. of Economic and Community Development (TNECD) announced the next group of rural communities selected to participate in the Tennessee Main Street program. The state economic initiative provides these towns with the resources needed to revitalize their downtown areas and attract more business growth while maintaining their historical character.
The communities selected for the ninth round of this initiative are Adamsville, Baxter, Byrdstown, Camden, Decatur, Gleason, Jellico, Loudon, McEwen, Munford, Spring City, and Wartrace.
“The investments we make in rural Tennessee benefit all Tennesseans, and the Tennessee Downtowns program allows us to equip some of our most rural communities with the tools needed to better develop and revitalize their downtown districts. I congratulate the 12 communities participating in the latest round of the program and look forward to seeing how their downtowns flourish and attract new growth in the years to come.”
Stuart C. McWhorter, TNECD Commissioner
All 12 Tennessee towns selected have commercial districts that were established at least 50 years ago and have expressed serious interest in readiness for downtown revitalization. According to TNECD, the program involves an extensive and selective application process. Once selected, community leaders participate in a two-year training program to learn the Main Street Four-Point Approach, which includes the four principles of design, economic restructuring, promotion, and organization developed by the National Main Street Center. Each town also gets a $15,000 grant for a community revitalization project.
For more information on the Tennessee Main Street program eligibility requirements, application process, and how to apply, click here. If you live outside of Tennessee and want to learn how to bring Main Street America’s resources to your rural community, visit https://www.mainstreet.org.
Colin Reilly with Connected Nation joined RFD-TV News to explain how the tool works and why it’s an important step in bridging the digital divide.
October 02, 2025 12:32 PM
·
Jeremy Kelly explains how Darling Ingredients’ mission aligns with FFA’s values and why investing in future ag leaders is so important.
October 02, 2025 12:20 PM
·
Molly Ball joins us to talk about the upcoming FFA Convention & Expo and dish about the latest episode of “Dirt Diaries: The FarmHER + RanchHER Podcast.”
October 02, 2025 11:34 AM
·
Farmers are in the midst of harvest as the government descends into a shutdown and the Farm Bill expires. Key federal departments, crop reporting, and aid programs important to the agricultural sector are now on hold.
October 02, 2025 10:54 AM
·
Students share their experiences overcoming anxiety through opportunities provided by the National FFA Organization.
October 01, 2025 04:40 PM
·
As flu season closes in, Dr. Gold outlines the steps to take when you get sick — including resting, staying hydrated, and knowing when to seek medical attention if symptoms worsen.
October 01, 2025 03:57 PM
·
