Downtown Colonial Beach, Virginia

We are thrilled to announce that Colonial Beach has officially been designated as a Virginia Main Street Community! This exciting achievement was confirmed by Governor Glenn Youngkin on December 23, 2024, marking the culmination of two years of dedication and hard work by Downtown Colonial Beach (DCB), a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization.

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By earning the Advancing Main Street designation, Colonial Beach is now part of a prestigious program administered by the Virginia Main Street initiative, a division of the Department of Housing and Community Development (DHCD) and a coordinating program with Main Street America. This designation brings a wealth of opportunities and resources to help us continue to strengthen and revitalize our historic downtown district. DCB will now receive comprehensive services, including:

• Market Analysis to better understand and meet the needs of our community.

• Marketplace Development to foster a vibrant local economy.

• Capacity Building and Organization Development to strengthen our community connections.

• Design Assistance to enhance the charm and functionality of our downtown.

• Economic Strategies to encourage sustainable growth and prosperity.

 

In addition to these services, DCB will have the backing of Main Street America and access to a collaborative network of other Virginia Main Street communities. This partnership will help Colonial Beach build on the legacy of the Virginia Main Street program, which, since its inception in 1985, has:

• Created more than 8,200 businesses

• Generated over 27,000 jobs

• Attracted more than $2.6 billion in public and private investment

 

What This Means for Colonial Beach:

Business and Organization Benefits

• Stronger relationships among local nonprofits, civic, and economic organizations

• Cooperative leveraging of resources

• Development of community partnerships

• Increased local businesses and public-private partnerships

• Achievement of shared community goals

 

Community Benefits

• Greater sense of pride in our town

• Development and enhancement of community assets

• Improved quality of life and connectivity within the town

• A stronger tax base to support schools, parks, and other community offerings

• Growth that honors our historic and cultural values

• State and national recognition for revitalization efforts

 

Economic Benefits

• Increased property values

• Better access to federal, state, and private grants

• Enhanced tourism and marketability

• Revitalization of the traditional and historic commercial district

• Availability of state and federal historic tax credits

• A healthier business climate with opportunities for strategic growth

 

This is a monumental step forward for Colonial Beach, Westmoreland County and the entire Northern Neck region, ensuring a brighter future for residents and visitors alike. DCB is committed to maximizing the benefits of this program and bringing transformative growth to our beloved town.

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Follow us on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/downtowncolonialbeach for updates on upcoming projects, events, and opportunities as we embark on this exciting journey. Reach out to us at info@downtowncolonialbeach.org to find out how to support our mission.