DOWNTOWN SCOTTSBORO RECEIVES DESIGNATION AS A 2026 MAIN STREET AMERICA ACCREDITED PROGRAM

This highest national designation recognizes Downtown Scottsboro exceptional commitment to community-based revitalization and positive local impact

Scottsboro, AL (May 20, 2026) – Downtown Scottsboro has been designated as a 2026 Accredited Main Street America program for meeting rigorous performance standards. Each year, Main Street America and its partners announce the roster of designated programs in recognition of their commitment to creating meaningful improvements in their downtowns through preservation-based economic development and community revitalization using the Main Street Approach™.

“We are proud to recognize Downtown Scottsboro as a 2026 Accredited Main Street America program for your unwavering commitment to grassroots transformation and the extraordinary abilities of your staff, board of directors, and volunteers to respond to the needs of their community,” said Erin Barnes, President and CEO at Main Street America. “Downtown Scottsboro demonstrates a dedication to investing in the people and places that make your downtown district special and contribute to the collective power of the Main Street movement to build vibrant spaces and durable economies.”

Downtown Scottsboro is one of 838 nationally recognized Accredited Main Street America organizations and is a part of a network of over 1,600 communities leading positive commercial district transformation efforts throughout the United States.

Main Street America recognizes two tiers of national designation — Accredited and Affiliate.

These designations are a badge of excellence and a powerful tool, signaling to community members, civic leaders, decision makers, funders, and others that the Main Street program holds an established position within a nationwide movement with a 45-year proven track record of generating transformative economic returns, fostering welcoming and inviting communities, and creating lasting positive impact.

Downtown Scottsboro’s performance was evaluated through assessments conducted by the organization’s personnel and board of directors, as well as by Main Street Alabama, which works in partnership with Main Street America to identify local programs that meet rigorous national community evaluation standards.

These standards provide the Main Street America network with a strong framework for reviewing progress, recognizing strengths, understanding trends, and identifying strategies to move Main Street programs forward.

To qualify for Accredited status—Main Street America’s top designation tier—communities must demonstrate a proven track record of achieving outcomes in alignment with the Main Street Approach and exceptional performance in six areas: broad-based community commitment to revitalization; inclusive leadership and organizational capacity; diversified funding and sustainable program operations; strategy-driven programming; preservation-based economic development; and demonstrated impact and results.

In 2025, Main Street America programs generated $9.4 billion in local reinvestment, welcomed 6,936 net new businesses, facilitated the creation of 36,549 net new jobs, rehabilitated 10,623 historic buildings, and leveraged 1.8 million volunteer hours. On average, for every dollar a Main Street program spent on operations, $23.13 was reinvested in its downtown district.

Downtown Scottsboro’s national accreditation reflects years of measurable progress and investment throughout the district. During that time, downtown has supported a diverse mix of over 100 businesses, with retail, restaurants, and professional services serving as key drivers of economic activity. More than $5.6 million in public and private improvements have helped fuel continued revitalization and property investment, while downtown events have drawn thousands of residents and visitors to the district. Today, local businesses support hundreds of jobs, reinforcing Downtown Scottsboro’s role as a vibrant center for commerce, community engagement, and economic growth, which have all been recognized through national accreditation status.

“2025 has been a huge year for Downtown Scottsboro, and the growth and momentum happening throughout the district has been incredible to see. We’re seeing new investment, new businesses, more community involvement, and a renewed energy that is pushing downtown in such a positive direction. As downtown continues to grow and evolve, we’ve stayed focused on creating a strong, collaborative environment that supports long-term success and meaningful progress. The excitement and confidence people are showing in Downtown Scottsboro right now speaks volumes about where we’re headed and the foundation we’re continuing to build together.”
— Julia Whitehead, Executive Director, Downtown Scottsboro

ABOUT INSERT ORGANIZATION NAME

Downtown Scottsboro is a thriving destination where local businesses, community events, and historic charm come together to create a welcoming atmosphere for residents and visitors alike. Since becoming the 22nd designated Main Street Alabama community on June 1, 2018, Downtown Scottsboro has remained committed to revitalization, growth, and preserving the heart of the community through investment, partnerships, and community-driven initiatives.

ABOUT MAIN STREET AMERICA

Main Street America leads a movement committed to strengthening communities through preservation-based economic development in older and historic downtowns and neighborhood commercial districts. For more than 40 years, Main Street America has provided a practical, adaptable, and impactful framework for community-driven, comprehensive revitalization through the Main Street Approach™. Today, the network includes more than 1,600 communities across the country working to build stronger places through preservation-based economic development. Since 1980, the Main Street movement has resulted in $124.67 billion reinvested locally, 188,583 net new businesses, 852,443 net gain in jobs, 356,424 buildings rehabbed, and 41 million volunteer hours. Main Street America is a nonprofit subsidiary of the National Trust for Historic Preservation. For more information, visit mainstreet.org.