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Main Street America & Missouri Main Street Conduct First On-Site Assessment in Downtown Lebanon
Downtown Lebanon reached a new milestone in its revitalization efforts as representatives from Main Street America and Missouri Main Street Connection (MMSC) conducted an on-site program assessment on Monday, February 24, 2025. This marks the first formal evaluation of Downtown Lebanon’s progress since joining the Main Street program, offering valuable insights and expert recommendations for the future.
The assessment team included Joi Austin, Senior Program Officer with Main Street America, and Keith Winge, State Community Development Director with Missouri Main Street Connection. Over the course of the day, they conducted a comprehensive review of the downtown district, meeting with key stakeholders to evaluate the program’s achievements and discuss strategies for continued growth.
A Full-Day Downtown Review
The seven-hour assessment included:
✅ A walking tour of downtown, where the team examined infrastructure, business activity, and ongoing revitalization projects.
✅ Meetings with the Board of Directors, city officials, and Main Street staff to discuss Downtown Lebanon’s goals and initiatives.
✅ Discussions with committee chairs from the four Main Street pillars—Design, Promotion, Economic Vitality, and Organization—to assess their progress and identify opportunities for improvement.
✅ A final review session where the team provided initial observations and recommendations to help shape the next phase of Downtown Lebanon’s development.
Why This Matters for Downtown Lebanon
The on-site assessment serves as an important checkpoint in Downtown Lebanon’s ongoing revitalization journey. The insights provided by Main Street America and MMSC will help guide decision-making, strengthen public-private partnerships, and ensure the district continues to thrive.
“This visit is a major step forward for Downtown Lebanon,” said Executive Director Sarah Angst. “It allows us to receive expert feedback on our progress and identify new opportunities to enhance our historic district. We’re excited to take their recommendations and continue building a downtown that serves as a hub of commerce, culture, and community pride.”
With this assessment, Downtown Lebanon is positioning itself for continued economic growth, increased investment, and an even stronger sense of place. As the district evolves, the partnership with Main Street America and MMSC will remain a crucial part of its success.
Stay tuned for future updates as Downtown Lebanon implements the recommendations from this first-ever on-site assessment!
