The following is a news release from the Texas Historical Commission:

The Texas Main Street Program (TMSP) of the Texas Historical Commission (THC) has recognized Plainview Main Street Program for successful annual progress in carrying out national performance standards for a Main Street community. Plainview Main Street Program is one of 68 to be recommended this year.

Upon final approval by the National Main Street Center/Main Street America™, these local programs will be announced as nationally accredited during the Main Street Now conference March 25–27 in Seattle, Wash.

“Since 1981, many Texas communities have participated in the Main Street network and used its preservation-based framework to generate positive economic gains for their local economies and the state,” said THC Executive Director Mark Wolfe. “These positive strides happen because of local commitment to prioritize historic downtowns.”

To achieve accreditation, local programs provide evidence of annual progress under selection criteria including engaged partnerships, staffing, volunteer efforts, preservation ethic, physical improvements in the district, and growth in program capacity. The state office also works with programs throughout the year providing services catered to local needs.

“The annual reporting process recognizes the hard work of local programs, and we commend the dedication of city leaders, program staff, local volunteers, and partners who make it possible,” said Debra Drescher, TMSP state coordinator.

The TMSP began in 1981 as one of the first state-coordinating programs in the country. Local Main Street programs focus on responsibly utilizing a community’s historic assets for economic benefit and increased quality of life. During 2018, more than $180 million was reinvested into Texas’ 89 Main Street districts. Additionally, 427 small businesses and 1,480 jobs were created. During 2018, the state network reached an important milestone when $4 billion in historical reinvestment was reached and surpassed.

The application to become a Main Street community will be available in late February. Applications are due July 31, 2019. For additional information about the national Main Street effort, visit mainstreet.org. For more information on the THC’s Texas Main Street Program, visit thc.texas.gov/mainstreet.

The THC’s Texas Main Street Program is a revitalization program for historic downtown and neighborhood commercial districts. It is based on a Four-Point Approach™ —organization, design, promotion, and economic vitality—within the context of historic preservation. Implemented nationwide and in Texas in 1981, the Texas program has assisted 178 communities of all sizes throughout the state. For more information, contact Debra Drescher at 512-463-5758 or debra.drescher@thc.texas.gov.

Texas Programs recommended for 2019 National Accreditation and Recognition for Annual Progress by the TMSP

(Based on progress reported from September 2017 to December 2018 and officially announced in March 2019 at the national Main Street Now Conference in Seattle, Wash.)

1.     Amarillo
2.     Bastrop
3.     Bay City
4.     Beaumont
5.     Beeville
6.     Brenham
7.     Bridgeport
8.     Brownsville
9.     Buda
10. Caldwell
11. Canton
12. Canyon
13. Carthage
14. Celina
15. Clarksville
16. Corpus Christi
17. Corsicana
18. Cuero
19. Denison
20. Denton
21. Elgin
22. Ennis
23. Farmersville
24. Georgetown
25. Goliad
26. Gonzales
27. Grand Saline
28. Grapevine
29. Greenville
30. Harlingen
31. Hillsboro
32. Huntsville
33. Kingsville
34. La Grange
35. Laredo
36. Levelland
37. Linden
38. Longview
39. Lufkin
40. Luling
41. McKinney
42. Mineola
43. Mount Pleasant
44. Mount Vernon
45. Nacogdoches
46. Palestine
47. Paris
48. Pearsall
49. Pilot Point
50. Pittsburg
51. Plainview
52. Rio Grande City
53. Rockwall
54. Royse City
55. San Angelo
56. San Augustine
57. San Marcos
58. Seguin
59. Sherman
60. Taylor
61. Texarkana
62. Tyler
63. Uvalde
64. Victoria
65. Waco
66. Waxahachie
67. Weatherford
68. Winnsboro

(News release from the Texas Historical Commission)