Funding will support façade renovations, signage and streetscape improvements in Tennessee Main Street and Tennessee Downtowns communities.
NASHVILLE, Tenn. — October 28, 2026 — Tennessee Gov. Bill Lee and Deputy Gov. and Department of Economic and Community Development Commissioner Stuart C. McWhorter announced more than $3.9 million in Downtown Improvement Grants for 14 communities across the state.
The grants, supported through Rural Economic Opportunity funding, will help revitalize downtown districts through building façade improvements, wayfinding signage, gateways and streetscape enhancements. Each new grant recipient must provide matching funds equal to 25% of the grant amount received.
“Our rural communities are the backbone of our economy, and I’m proud to take part in announcing these grants,” said Gov. Lee. “I’m grateful for local leaders who care deeply about their communities and look forward to seeing the investments they make to ensure all of Tennessee can flourish.”
Downtown Revitalization Funding Supports Local Economies
The Tennessee Department of Economic and Community Development (TNECD) awarded funding to organizations that demonstrated both a need for improvements and the ability to carry out an effective design plan.
The projects will enhance downtown buildings and public spaces, supporting the districts where residents gather, businesses operate and visitors experience local communities.
“Vibrant downtowns do not happen by accident — they are built through local vision, long-term planning and collaboration. These grants will help 14 communities turn that vision into visible progress by revitalizing the places where residents gather, businesses grow and visitors experience what makes each community unique,” said Deputy Gov. and Commissioner McWhorter. “We are proud to partner with local leaders as they strengthen their downtowns and build even stronger local economies across Tennessee.”
Tennessee Downtown Improvement Grant Recipients
| Community or Organization | County | Grant Award |
|---|---|---|
| Centerville | Hickman | $300,000 |
| Cleveland | Bradley | $300,000 |
| Collinwood | Wayne | $125,000 |
| Etowah | McMinn | $350,000 |
| Gallatin | Sumner | $300,341 |
| Henderson | Chester | $218,466 |
| Lenoir City | Loudon | $225,000 |
| Main Street Livingston | Overton | $300,000 |
| Main Street Union City | Obion | $300,000 |
| McKenzie | Carroll | $311,250 |
| Mount Pleasant | Maury | $325,000 |
| Munford | Tipton | $350,000 |
| Newport | Cocke | $245,511 |
| Paris | Henry | $250,000 |
| Total | $3,900,568 |
Program Supports Designated Main Street and Downtown Communities
To qualify for a Downtown Improvement Grant, applicants must be designated Tennessee Downtowns or Tennessee Main Street communities and submit an application for funding.
The program pairs state investment with local matching funds to help communities implement downtown improvement plans.
“We are very excited for these 14 communities who have taken steps to give their residents and visitors a better Tennessee experience,” said TNECD Main Street Director Kim Parks. “Our state’s downtowns possess some of the best hospitality and character of any across the country.”
