SAN ANGELO, Texas — Downtown San Angelo, Inc. has once again been designated as an Accredited Main Street America program for meeting rigorous performance standards.
Each year, Main Street America and its partners announce the list of Accredited programs to recognize their exceptional commitment to preservation-based economic development and community revitalization through the Main Street Approach.
“We are extremely proud to recognize this year’s 863 nationally Accredited Main Street America programs that have worked tirelessly to advance economic vitality and quality of life in their downtowns and commercial districts,” President and CEO of Main Street America Patrice Frey said. “During another incredibly challenging year, these programs demonstrated the power of the Main Street movement to respond to the needs of their communities. I am inspired by their steadfast leadership and innovative solutions to drive essential local recovery efforts, support small businesses, and nurture vibrant downtown districts.”
According to a DTSA press release, in 2021, Main Street America programs generated $5.76 billion in local reinvestment, helped open 6,601 net new businesses, generated 30,402 net new jobs, catalyzed the rehabilitation of 10,595 historic buildings, and leveraged 1,427,729 volunteer hours. On average, for every dollar that a Main Street program spent to support their operations, it generated $19.34 of new investment back into Main Street communities.
Downtown San Angelo’s performance is annually evaluated by Texas Historical Commission, which works in partnership with Main Street America to identify the local programs that meet rigorous national performance standards. Evaluation criteria determines the communities that are building meaningful and sustainable revitalization programs and include standards such as, fostering strong public-private partnerships, supporting small and locally owned businesses, and actively preserving historic places, spaces, and cultural assets.
Over a span of 16 years, three million dollars of reinvestment has filtered into historic downtown, and since 2013, vacancies in the Central Business District have decrease by 47%. In 2021, downtown San Angelo welcomed 22 new businesses to the neighborhood.
“It’s always gratifying, for us at Downtown San Angelo, Inc. to receive the National Main Street Accreditation," DTSA Executive Director Del Velasquez said. "This recognition is evidence of the diligent work our organization undertakes daily in making a difference in our community.”
