Alabama’s Black Belt region is now benefitting from a Main Street Alabama Project Grant, thanks to project completion carried out by Main Street Demopolis and local collaborators, like the City of Demopolis and community volunteers.

Established in 2022, Main Street Demopolis has been working hard to create momentum and make downtown the heart of its community again—while also preserving its small town charm.

The recent grant project includes installation of a speaker system throughout the town’s Public Square, first established in 1819, making it one of Alabama’s most historic squares. Popular community events like Rooster Day, Christmas on the River, and the Farmers Market bring people together in these community spaces, now enhanced by the dynamic sound system.

“Speakers in the Public Square have been a dream of ours since we were officially designated as a Main Street community in 2022,” says Main Street Demopolis Executive Director Rhae Darsey. “They really bring the heart of our historic downtown to life. We are so appreciative of Main Street Alabama and the City of Demopolis for making it happen. Now our events in the Public Square will be more musical than ever!”

In December 2023, the first two recipients of the Main Street Alabama Project Grants were announced, allowing funding for up to $25,000 for each community’s project. These funds, made available through the support of the State of Alabama, are meant to support designated communities in executing projects within their districts to stimulate positive economic growth.

Main Street Alabama’s ten-year impact study findings released this past November prove the investment is more than worthwhile.

President and State Coordinator Mary Helmer Wirth explains, “For every dollar of funding the State has contributed, $13.36 is returned in sales taxes…Counting public and private investments in our communities, Main Street Alabama has had a billion-dollar economic impact on the State of Alabama.”

A nonprofit organization, Main Street Alabama stresses public-private partnerships, broad community engagement, and strategies that create jobs, spark new investment, attract visitors, and spur growth in core commercial districts. Main Street builds on the authentic history, culture, and attributes of specific places, to bring sustainable change.