Gov. Lee, Deputy Gov. and Commissioner McWhorter Announce Downtown Improvement Grant Recipients
December 18, 2025 - NASHVILLE, Tenn. – Tennessee Gov. Bill Lee and Deputy Gov. and Department of Economic and Community Development Commissioner Stuart C. McWhorter announced today the 16 Tennessee Main Street and Tennessee Downtowns communities that are recipients of Downtown Improvement Grants.
“What happens in rural Tennessee matters to all Tennesseans, and our downtown districts serve as vital economic engines for tourism, economic development and quality of life,” said Gov. Lee. “I congratulate the 16 communities receiving these grants and look forward to seeing these projects come to fruition.”
More than $4.3 million in Rural Economic Opportunity funding is being awarded to improve structures in Tennessee Downtowns and Main Street communities. Grants were awarded to organizations that illustrated the need for improvements and the ability to execute an effective design plan for building facades, wayfinding signage, gateways and streetscapes. As part of the program, each new grant recipient will be required to match 25% of the funding received.
“I want to extend my appreciation to the leaders in each of these communities for their partnership and commitment,” said Deputy Gov. and Commissioner McWhorter. “These grants require meaningful collaboration between the state and local stakeholders, and the dedication shown by these communities is what brings these projects to life. Together, we are strengthening local economies and ensuring Tennessee remains an exceptional place to live, work and raise a family.”
Communities receiving Downtown Improvement Grants are:
- Athens, McMinn County, $300,000
- Celina, Clay County, $100,000
- Clifton, Wayne County, $97,500
- Crossville, Cumberland County, $300,000
- Elizabethton, Carter County, $400,000
- Jefferson City, Jefferson County, $150,000
- Rockwood, Roane County, $100,000
- Shelbyville, Bedford County, $450,000
- South Pittsburg, Marion County, $500,000
- Waverly, Humphreys County, $300,000
- Joint Economic Development Board of Unicoi County Inc., Unicoi County, $300,000
- Main Street Brownsville, Haywood County, $250,000
- Main Street Pulaski Inc., Giles County, $464,000
- Rogersville-Hawkins County Chamber of Commerce, Inc., Hawkins County, $250,000
- Alexandria, DeKalb County, $100,000
- Monterey, Putnam County, $240,000
“We’re excited for these 16 communities and proud to support their efforts to revitalize and restore their downtown districts,” said TNECD Main Street Director Kim Parks. “Tennessee is known for its exceptional quality of life, and the initiative these communities have shown – both in applying for these grants and in working to transform their downtowns – is strengthening that reputation every day.”
To be eligible for a Downtown Improvement Grant, communities had to submit an application and be a designated Tennessee Downtowns or Tennessee Main Street community. To learn more about the Downtown Improvement Grant Program, visit the website here.
About the Tennessee Department of Economic and Community Development (TNECD)
TNECD is the state’s primary agency committed to fostering economic growth through job creation and community development. By attracting new corporate investment and facilitating the growth of existing businesses, the department works to strengthen Tennessee’s competitive landscape. Additionally, TNECD strives to increase the economic prosperity for all Tennesseans by providing grants to communities statewide, helping them to become vibrant, business-friendly environments where companies can flourish. For more information, visit us at tnecd.com. Join the conversation on Twitter, Instagram, LinkedIn, Facebook and YouTube.