The nonprofit organization, which uses a four-point approach to revitalize downtown areas, selects three new communities annually through a competitive application process.
Jasper stood out in the recent field of applicants because the city “demonstrated strong community partnerships, an impressive organizational structure with exceptional leadership and ability to financially support its program,” state coordinator Mary Helmer noted in a press release regarding the selection.
Debbie Young Sanders, president of the Jasper Downtown Business Association, said that she was thrilled by the news of the designation.
“It is going to mean really good things for our town and the whole community. It’s a program that has been proven throughout the state and the country to bring jobs, dollars and people into our downtown,” Sanders said.
According to the press release, Main Street Alabama’s designated communities have reported $45,725,314 in private investments to downtown buildings, $934,499 in public improvements, 101 new and expanding businesses, 370 new jobs and 10,262 volunteer hours since the program relaunched in 2014.
The list of Main Street communities includes Alexander City, Anniston, Athens, Birmingham, Decatur, Dothan, Eufaula, Florence, Gadsden, Monroeville, Opelika, Oxford and Selma.
Elba and Fort Payne were the other communities that were accepted into the program this year.
As part of the program, the cities will now begin receiving intensive board development, goal setting, work planning, market study with implementable economic development strategies, targeted technical assistance and quarterly training related to downtown development from Main Street Alabama officials.
The designation also comes with a financial commitment. It will require a minimum financial investment of $10,000 over the course of three years.
Sanders said that pursuing Main Street Alabama designation has been a collaborative effort of DJBA members, government officials and private individuals.
She gave special mention to Mike Putman, DJBA’s director of marketing and communications, for keeping the project on track.
“A lot of people have really worked hard to make this happen for the city of Jasper,” she said.
Representatives of Main Street Alabama are expected to be in Jasper soon for a full-day site visit and media event to officially kick off the newly designated program.
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