Mayor Shannon E. Glover, City of Portsmouth | City of Portsmouth website
Mayor Shannon E. Glover, City of Portsmouth | City of Portsmouth website
Portsmouth, Virginia – The Portsmouth Partnership and the City of Portsmouth have been selected to join the Virginia Department of Housing and Community Development’s (DHCD) 2025-26 Mobilizing Main Street Program. This two-year program aims to provide organizational development support to Exploring Main Street communities that are interested in achieving Advancing Virginia Main Street designation and Main Street America accredited status.
Max Greenhood, Board Chair of the Portsmouth Partnership, expressed enthusiasm about the opportunity. "This is an incredible opportunity for Portsmouth to reimagine the High Street corridor," he stated. He noted the strategic timing with developments such as the Innovation District and waterfront projects enhancing growth in Portsmouth.
Portsmouth Mayor Shannon Glover also shared his excitement about the city's selection for the program. “I am thrilled that our city has been selected to participate in the Virginia Main Street program. This opportunity underscores the potential of our historic downtown and the strength of our community,” Glover said. He emphasized efforts to preserve heritage, revitalize business corridors, and create inclusive spaces for residents and visitors.
The partnership will collaborate with DHCD staff to enhance economic opportunities in their community. The cohort will work on individualized plans, management benchmarks, market analysis, design assessments, grant management, among other tools for success. This initiative is supported by funding from the Virginia Main Street Program.
Bryan Horn, Director of DHCD, highlighted the impact of VMS over four decades: “The Virginia Main Street program has been transforming communities for over 40 years, and it continues to be critical to economic development, small business growth, and job creation across the Commonwealth.” Horn pointed out that VMS supports local development efforts while providing targeted assistance for future success.
For further details on this initiative, visit dhcd.virginia.gov/vms.
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