For Immediate Release, Contact: Bob Erwin, 870.703.2916
Hope Downtown Network

Hope, AR, June 1, 2021- Hope Downtown Network has been designated as an affiliate Main Street™ program. Each year, Main Street America and its partners announce the list of nationally recognized affiliate programs in recognition of their commitment to creating meaningful improvements in their downtowns and commercial districts using the Main Street Approach™, a framework for preservation-based economic development and community revitalization.

“We are thrilled to acknowledge this year’s 337 Main Street affiliate programs and their commitment to revitalizing their downtowns and commercial districts,” said Patrice Frey, President & CEO of Main Street America. “During a difficult year, these Main Street programs have proven their unique ability to generate impressive economic outcomes, preserve the character of their downtowns, and lift up their communities.”

In 2020, Main Street America programs generated $4.14 billion in local reinvestment, helped open 4,356 net new businesses, generated 14,988 net new jobs, catalyzed the rehabilitation of 8,488 historic buildings, and clocked 983,702 volunteer hours.  

The Hope Downtown Network’s performance is annually evaluated by Main Street Arkansas, which works in partnership with Main Street America to identify the local programs that are committed to comprehensive revitalization and achieving meaningful community outcomes.

“In May of 2018, Main Street Arkansas designated Hope as a member of the Arkansas Downtown Network.  Thanks to grant funds from Main Street Arkansas, Hope Downtown Network has offered three rounds of mini-grants whereby small businesses could apply for $500 matching grants that would assist in exterior or interior improvements.  Since the designation, the all-volunteer nonprofit has placed trash receptacles, benches, curbside “pull-up bars”, and hand sanitizer stations throughout downtown.  Fundraising events and community partnerships provided funds for the placement of statues that share the story of how Hope received its name.  Since 2019, we have welcomed nine small businesses to the downtown district.  Hope Downtown Network has made vast improvements in our downtown district, and we will continue moving forward in areas of downtown business revitalization and historic preservation,” stated Bob Erwin, Hope Downtown Network Board President.