A downtown revitalization program is helping Arkansas cities revive their business districts.
Since 1984, Main Street Arkansas has worked with cities throughout the state, helping to fund and providing guidance on downtown revitalization projects.
The organization says Main Street Arkansas cities have yielded a net gain of 3,907 jobs, 1,151 new businesses and 1,066 business expansions and relocations into downtowns to date.
More than $145 million in investment funds has financed 3,272 facade renovations, rehabilitations and new construction projects. The Main Street cities have seen 844 public improvement projects valued at $25 million and 545,536 volunteer hours on Main Street matters.
Samantha Evans, assistant director of Main Street Arkansas, says finding participants for projects that often take decades to complete can be a challenge.
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