As executive director of the Mississippi Main Street Association (MMSA), I have the privilege of seeing firsthand how our state’s historic downtowns serve as the economic and cultural engines of our communities. From the Hills to the Coast, our “Main Streets” are where small businesses take root, where history is preserved and where neighbors gather to build a future together.
Today, that future looks brighter than ever thanks to a significant investment by the Mississippi Legislature. I extend my gratitude to Sens. Chuck Younger and Angela Turner Ford and Reps. Kabir Karriem, Dana Underwood McLean, and Andy Boyd for their support of the Mississippi Main Street Revitalization Grant (MMSRG) Program.
Authorized through House Bill 1716, this program empowers the Mississippi Development Authority (MDA) to provide critical funding for projects that lead to the revitalization of Mississippi’s downtowns and communities. Our legislators understand that a vibrant downtown is not just a “nice-to-have” feature — it is a vital economic development tool that creates jobs, increases property values and helps retain young talent in Mississippi.
This year, Main Street Columbus received $380,000 for the Downtown Columbus Wayfinding and Streetscape Improvement Project. The funds will help improve the walkability and safety of the Historic District — ensuring that downtown Columbus remains a premier destination for residents and visitors alike.
The MMSRG program demonstrates what can happen when state leadership listens to the needs of local communities. By championing this legislation, local representatives have provided the seed money needed to catalyze private investment and long-term growth. This is more than a grant; it is a vote of confidence in the people and the potential of Columbus.
On behalf of the Mississippi Main Street Association and the thousands of small-business owners who call our downtowns home, I thank our legislative delegation for its vision and commitment to community-based economic development. We are proud to recognize Sens. Younger and Turner Ford and Reps. Karriem, McLean and Boyd as Mississippi Main Street champions!
Jeannie Waller Zieren
Executive Director
Mississippi Main Street Association
You can help your community
Quality, in-depth journalism is essential to a healthy community. The Dispatch brings you the most complete reporting and insightful commentary in the Golden Triangle, but we need your help to continue our efforts. In the past week, our reporters have posted 36 articles to cdispatch.com. Please consider subscribing to our website for only $2.30 per week to help support local journalism and our community.
You can help your community
Quality, in-depth journalism is essential to a healthy community. The Dispatch brings you the most complete reporting and insightful commentary in the Golden Triangle, but we need your help to continue our efforts. In the past week, our reporters have posted 36 articles to cdispatch.com. Please consider subscribing to our website for only $2.30 per week to help support local journalism and our community.
