Main Street Alabama

06/02/2026

We're excited to welcome Dothan and Selma as Main Street Alabama's newest Designated Communities! After a highly competitive application process, these two communities have earned a place among just 36 designated districts statewide.

Read the full announcement and learn what this designation means for their future: https://www.mainstreetalabama.org/news-events/

Downtown Dothan Selma Redevelopment Authority Main Street America

06/01/2026

🌟 Main Street Alabama Grant Recipient Project | Elba Downtown Gateway Oasis

In FY24, Main Street Alabama provided grants of up to $25,000 to all Designated Communities, supporting projects that strengthen community engagement and economic vitality across the state. Main Street Elba used this funding to transform a vacant lot near the Pea River Bridge into the Downtown Gateway Oasis, a vibrant park that marks the entrance to the 2-mile Downtown Elba Walking Trail.

The Oasis features colorful mosaics celebrating local heritage, lush landscaping, and a historic trolley display. This new space intends to attracts visitor, revitalize underused land, and enhance downtown aesthetics while fostering pride and engagement for residents and small businesses.

05/29/2026

Main Street Alabama designation is a competitive process that requires significant planning, local commitment, and investment from the applying community. Designated programs receive training, technical assistance, and ongoing support focused on downtown revitalization, historic preservation, and economic development.

We’re excited to share that the 2026 New Designation Announcement will be released Tuesday, June 2. Follow along on our social channels to celebrate with us!

05/29/2026

👋 Meet the Board | Scott Farmer

Scott Farmer serves as the Executive Director of the Southeast Alabama Regional Planning and Development Commission (SEARP&DC), being appointed to the position in October 2017. SEARP&DC provides community and economic development, early childhood education, public transportation, senior employment services, and other needs for the seven-county Alabama Wiregrass area.

Scott has been with SEARP&DC since 2003, beginning as Regional Planner, and served as Director of Community Development from 2005 until his appointment as Executive Director. During his career at SEARP&DC, Scott has directly provided assistance to regional communities with infrastructure and public facility grants, comprehensive and land use planning, hazard mitigation planning, rural transportation planning, mapping, and redistricting services, and has driven expansion of public transportation services within the region.

In addition to serving on the Main Street Alabama Board of Directors, Scott is currently serving on the National Association of Development Organizations (NADO) Board of Directors, is in his second term as President of the Alabama Association of Regional Councils (AARC), and is the Governmental Affairs Committee Chair for the Dothan Area Chamber of Commerce. Scott is a member of the American Institute of Certified Planners (AICP).

Scott received a bachelor’s degree with a double major in Regional and Urban Planning and Geography in 2001 and a master’s degree in Geography in 2005, both from The University of Alabama.

When asked why he chooses to serve on the Main Street Alabama Board, Scott stated, “Since Main Street Alabama has incorporated and grown, I have appreciated the guidance and creativity the program has sparked with communities and local businesses by helping them leverage their local resources for positive community change. I am grateful to serve on the Main Street Alabama Board through sharing ideas and experiences with assisting local communities.”

We are grateful to Scott for sharing his expertise and supporting Alabama’s downtowns.

05/28/2026

Placemaking can turn an overlooked alley into a connection point between art and downtown activity.

In this clip from the Sweet Home Towns Podcast, Dee Starkey with Columbiana Main Street shares updates on exciting projects underway including a new pocket park and mini pavilion, improved connections between the arts district and Main Street, and new murals coming to the alley this summer.

🎧Listen to the full episode wherever you get your podcasts.

05/27/2026

Across the Network | Fayette, Alabama

With deep roots in local industry and agriculture, Fayette has built a culture of civic engagement and community-driven improvement. Downtown Fayette serves as a hub for small businesses and local events that bring residents together.

Main Street Alabama recently visited Fayette to continue building on the community’s downtown revitalization efforts. During this trip, staff had the opportunity to present to the Fayette Leadership Class, sharing an overview of the Main Street Approach and how it can support long-term growth. We also met with local stakeholders to review the recommendations provided in last year’s Network Report and to track ongoing progress.

Main Street Alabama currently serves over 65 communities statewide, helping towns of all sizes take meaningful steps toward long-term revitalization. We look forward to the continued progress in Downtown Fayette!

📌 Is your community ready to plan for downtown revitalization? Applications to join the Network reopen in August 2026.

Learn more 👉 mainstreetalabama.org/getting-started/the-network/



City of Fayette Fayette Alabama ACE

05/26/2026

Downtown Montgomery’s momentum is a result of investment and collaboration. Councilwoman Marche Johnson reflects on the role Main Street Montgomery plays in shaping the future of downtown:

“A strong Main Street program starts with people: residents, entrepreneurs, and community partners who believe in what downtown can be.

Here in Montgomery, we have something most cities only dream about: a historic core with world-class civil rights landmarks, beautiful architecture, and a growing energy that’s bringing people back. But history alone doesn’t sustain a downtown.

What makes our Main Street program strong is the four-point foundation it’s built on: economic vitality, design, promotion, and organization. When we fill empty storefronts with thriving local businesses, when we create events that give people a reason to come back week after week, and when the city partners with organizations like Main Street Montgomery to invest in our district, we’re not just revitalizing a neighborhood. We’re restoring the heartbeat of our city.

That’s the work I’m committed to, and I’m proud that Montgomery was selected as a Main Street Alabama-designated destination in the state.” — Councilwoman Marche Johnson, City of Montgomery, Alabama Government

Thank you to the local leaders and advocates helping move downtown Montgomery forward every day!

05/25/2026

🌟 Main Street Alabama Grant Recipient Project | Jasper Welcome Center Kitchen

In FY24, Main Street Alabama provided grants of up to $25,000 to all Designated Communities, supporting projects that drive community engagement and economic growth across the state. Jasper Main Street used this funding to transform its historic Welcome Center with a fully operational kitchen, creating a versatile hub for tourism, events, and civic programming. The space now hosts fundraisers, educational programs, and festivals which welcome travelers and locals alike. By funding projects like this, Main Street Alabama strengthens small business visibility, fosters downtown revitalization, and creates measurable, long-term community impact.

05/22/2026

LaFayette Main Street recently unveiled new patriotic pole banners in downtown LaFayette as part of their ongoing beautification and placemaking efforts. Check out how this simple design project is adding community pride to the Square.

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BY kadie taylor THE LAFAYETTE SUN LAFAYETTE — LaFayette locals and visitors may notice a patriotic addition to the Square. LaFayette Main Street has added patriotic pole banner flags downtown to celebrate the upcoming national holidays. “This initiative, through LaFayette Main Street, was t

05/22/2026

👋 Meet the Board | Bakari Miller

Bakari Miller serves as Vice President, Business Development for the Economic Development Association of Alabama (EDPA). In this role, he works with the EDPA
team and other economic development allies across Alabama to execute targeted business attraction and recruitment strategies.

Before transitioning to EDPA, Bakari enjoyed a successful career as an Institutional Trust Strategist for Regions Financial Corporation where he supported commercial bankers within the North Central Alabama area. For much of his career, Bakari served within Wealth Management, where he rendered investment advice and financial planning services to individuals and businesses.

When asked why he chooses to serve on the Main Street Alabama Board, he stated "Serving on the Main Street Alabama Board gives me the opportunity to be part of a dedicated group working to strengthen communities across our state. I’m proud to support efforts that enhance quality of life, preserve local character, and help Alabama’s downtowns thrive."

We are grateful to Bakari for sharing his expertise and supporting Alabama’s downtowns.