4 NELA Cities Recognized as Main Streets of the Country

MONROE, La. (KNOE) – Four cities in Northeast Louisiana have been designated as accredited Main Street America programs for 2024. Lt. Governor Billy Nungessor and Louisiana Main Street made the announcement today (August 21).

According to the Department of Culture, Recreation and Tourism, the following NELA cities met the National Main Street Center performance standards and were considered:

Monroe; Ouachita Parish
West Monroe; Ouachita Parish
Winnsboro; Franklin Parish
Ruston; Lincoln Parish

“Our state’s historic downtowns and neighborhoods give each area a sense of uniqueness, place and character that sets one apart from another. These commercial districts are the heart and soul of the communities in which they are located,” said Lt. Gov. Billy Nungesser. “Revitalizing these areas provides great locations for small businesses to operate, helps increase tax revenue for local governments and brings more visitors to the downtown area. It’s an honor to recognize these 24 Louisiana communities that have worked hard to revitalize their social cohesion and economic stability.”

The Department of Culture, Recreation and Tourism reported that Main Street America programs generated $5.68 billion in local reinvestment, helped open 6,630 net new businesses, facilitated the creation of 35,162 net new jobs, initiated the renovation of 10,556 historic buildings and leveraged 1,664,763 volunteer hours in 2023.

Main Street America President and CEO Erin Barnes said in part, “Main Street leaders are visionaries who see things no one else sees and create the future world we all want to live in. The size and influence of our network demonstrates that great things happen when visions are realized through strategic, grassroots collaboration.”

A total of 24 Louisiana cities were accredited.

To learn more about Louisiana Main Street, click here.