Buda, San Marcos Main Street Program’s Recommended For National Accreditation

During 2017, approximately $500 million was reinvested into Texas’ 89 Main Street districts. Additionally, 388 small businesses and 2,329 jobs were created…

The Texas Historical Commission (THC) will recommend the City of Buda and City of San Marcos for successful annual progress as a designated Main Street community, two of 68 to be recognized this year.

The Texas Main Street Program (TMSP) began in 1981 as one of the first state coordinating programs in the country. Local Main Street programs focus on responsibly utilizing a community’s historic assets for economic benefit and increased quality of life.

During 2017, approximately $500 million was reinvested into Texas’ 89 Main Street districts. Additionally, 388 small businesses and 2,329 jobs were created.

“Buda’s Main Street Program is excited about receiving national accreditation. It truly is a testament to the teamwork of all involved in our young program,” said Buda Main Street Advisory Board Chair Matthew Wright. “We are encouraged by our progress in making Buda a Central Texas destination.”

Main Street programs in Texas are minimally staffed but rely on community volunteers to carry out the program. In 2017, Main Street volunteers reported more than 119,178 hours of work donated in support of the program.

“The Texas Main Street Program continues to provide substantial return on investment to local communities across the state,” said Mark Wolfe, THC Executive Director.

Upon final approval by the National Main Street Center/Main Street America™, these local programs will be announced as Nationally Accredited during the upcoming Main Street Now conference in Kansas City, Missouri, March 26–28.

“The state recognition and national accreditation recognizes the hard work of these local programs, and the value placed on their historic downtowns,” said Debra Drescher, TMSP state coordinator.

Selection criteria focuses on annual progress in planning, partnerships, staffing, volunteer efforts, preservation ethic, training, and program assessment through reporting. The state office also works with programs throughout the year by providing various services catered to local needs.

For additional information about the national Main Street effort, visit www.mainstreet.org/home. For more information on the THC’s Texas Main Street Program visit  thc.texas.gov/preserve/projects-and-programs/texas-main-street.

The THC’s Texas Main Street Program is a revitalization program for historic downtown and neighborhood commercial districts.

Based on a Four-Point Approach™ -organization, design, promotion, and economic vitality-all within the context of historic preservation. Implemented nationwide and in Texas in 1981, the Texas program has assisted 178 communities of all sizes throughout the state.

For more information, contact Debra Drescher at 512-463-5758 or debra.drescher@thc.texas.gov

Programs recommended for 2018 National Accreditation, and Recognition for Annual Progress by the Texas Main Street Program (Based on progress reported from September 2016 to November 2017 and announced in March 2018 at the National Main Street Now Conference in Kansas City, Mo.)