2024 Accredited
Picayune Main Street has met the rigorous requirements to be an Accredited Main Street America Program. See our News section for detailed information about our Program and the initiatives of Main Street America.
Chamber Member of the Month
The Chamber cited our organization's commitment to continuous improvement, community engagement, and preserving our local history. They stated that our values have not only brought positive awareness to Historic Downtown Picayune but have also contributed to impressive economic returns for community.
Main Street Day at the Capitol 2024
Mississippi Main Street celebrated 40 years of service to their Main Street organizations at the MS State Capitol on March 26, 2024. The impact of our collective organizations can be seen in the posters. We have had a $78 million impact in the State. Imagine how much more is possible with your involvment!
Download the Distrix App
Friends of Main Street can list their business on the Distrix app
This easy to use app highlights businesses and services in Main Street districts across America. Help support the Main Street mission and the businesses that invest in places like your home town!
2024 Picayune Main Street Work Plan
Four Point Approach: Design, Organization, Promotion and Economic Vitality
2024 DESIGN WORK PLAN:
Enhance the physical and visual assets that set the commercial district apart
- Handicap parking spaces with input from community seniors, Senior Center and Public Works Director
- Continue to work with downtown business owners to improve facades with grant funds
- Encourage downtown businesses to keep their sidewalks attractive and update their storefronts each season
2024 ORGANIZATION WORK PLAN:
Cultivate partnerships, community involvement, and resources for historic downtown
- Annual Awards banquet to recognize members and volunteers
- Build membership and appoint a strong membership chair
- Add more team members to our Vital Volunteers
2024 PROMOTION WORK PLAN:
Position downtown as the center of the community and economic activity
- Women in business Wednesday, recognize Women Owned Business members
- Continue to promote Picayune Main Street Inc. Members' Specials
- Promote Community Non-Profit organizations events via social media
- Encourage more Art activities in the community
2024 ECONOMIC ACTIVITY WORK PLAN:
Create a supportive environment for entrepreneurs to help drive local economy and provide business inventory updates
- American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) grants projects in historic downtown
- Encourage wide community input and involvement in future business growth
Picayune Main Street 2023 Accomplishments
design
- Awarded Funds to complete an amazing Façade Project at Noble House 141 Kirkwood Street
- With new windows, fencing and painting MS Power Community Partnership Project
- Facade Grant for new restaurant opening soon New Windows Upstairs and Downstairs
- Purchased Bistro Set for Thigpen Alley and Umbrellas and Stands for the 7 Bistro Sets in Alleys
- New Façade and added Handicap Accessibility for public entrance to office at 110 East Canal Street
organization
- Picayune Main Street, Inc. Program Assessment was Friday, July 7th Led by Jennifer Lay, MS Main Street Community Development with 8 Picayune Main Street members in attendance
- Lisa Thompson, Senior Program Officer for Revitalization Services was virtual
- MS Main Street Association Awarded Mr Bill Edwards the Paul Coggin Trailblazer Award
- Mr. Bill Edwards was elected as Emeritus on the Picayune Main Street, Inc. Board of Directors
- Greater Picayune Area Chamber of Commerce Awarded Vital Volunteer
- Christy Goss 2023 Volunteer of the Year
- Greater Picayune Area Chamber of Commerce Awards
promotion
- Sponsored 57th Spring Street Festival in April and 58th Semi -Annual Fall Street Festival in November
- November had a record collection of Sales Tax from out of town vendors
- Sponsored Downtown Music Event & Maker’s Market
- Sponsored the Santa’s WorkShop and Shop by Candlelight Event
- Selected Highland Community Hospital as the 2023 Historic Collectible Christmas Ornament
economic vitality
- Received $25,000.00 in Grants for Downtown Revitalization Purpose
- Received $ 4,600.00 Grants from Visit MS Tourism to promote Picayune MS
- Received $ 2,000.00 Grant Downtown Beautification Grant from Wal-Mart
- Received $ 100,000.00 ARPA Grant for Downtown Façade Project
- Received $ 1400.00 MS Arts Commission and National Endowment of the Arts Grant to preserve Murals in the Downtown area- Project Complete
- Received $ 4000.00 Grant Coast Electric To Enhance the Downtown with QR Codes with Historic Info
- Received a $1000.00 Wal Mart Grant for Downtown Improvements
- 2023 Grants Received & Awarded $138,000.00
- Over the past 18 years: Grants received 2005-2023 $2,905,549.20
We are part of a Larger Movement across America!
Main Street America
Mississippi Main Street
Mississippi Main Street
Man Street America leads a collaborative movement that advances shared prosperity, creates resilient economies and improves quality of life through place-based development and preservation. Visit their website to how this is changing the face of small towns across America.
Mississippi Main Street
Mississippi Main Street
Mississippi Main Street
Mississippi State University's School of Architecture was part of the pilot studies for establishing an agency that could assist small towns in bringing business and vitality back to their downtown and/or historic areas. Our current Mississippi Main Street assists local communities with their strategic planning, grants and grant writing, legislative matters and promotion.