DENTON, TX — Denton Main Street has received Accredited status from Main Street America, acknowledging its excellence in downtown revitalization efforts. Managed by the City of Denton Office of Economic Development in partnership with the Denton Main Street Association, this recognition places Denton among the leading downtown programs across the nation, with only 872 out of 1,172 designated Main Street programs achieving this status.
The accreditation highlights Denton’s commitment to preserving and enhancing its downtown area through various initiatives aligned with the core principles required for such recognition. These efforts focus on economic vitality, design, promotion, and organization.
- Economic Vitality: Includes strategic business retention and recruitment, targeting businesses that cater to all residents, and management of the Downtown Reinvestment Grant Program supported by Tax Increment Reinvestment Zone No. 1.
- Design: Supports revitalization and historic preservation, working with the Texas Historic Commission and city departments. Initiatives include the 2024 Downtown Sign Program and the Beautiful Business Award.
- Promotion: Drives foot traffic through events like Twilight Tunes, Arts & Autos, Wassail Fest, and Shop Small Crawls, alongside the Main Street Dollars e-gift card program. The Downtown Lowdown newsletter was introduced to promote events and resources.
- Organization: Strengthens community ties through retail roundtables, mixers, and volunteer efforts. The City launched a Main Street program Masterclass in 2024 to enhance leadership skills.
Kristen Pulido, Denton Main Street Manager, stated, “This achievement reinforces what we already know: Denton is a special place to do business. Our downtown is a place where small businesses are supported, character is preserved, and connection is felt. Denton Main Street’s accreditation is the result of years of hard work and sets the stage for continued growth.”
For more information about Denton Main Street, visit www.DentonEcoDev.com and www.dentonmainstreet.org.