Main Street Chillicothe Accreditation: 25 Years and Counting

Main Street Chillicothe recently underwent a site evaluation on February 11, 2025, as part of the process to maintain its accreditation with Main Street America. Our program undergoes an annual accreditation assessment, with on-site evaluations occurring every other year. This evaluation is a crucial step in ensuring that the program continues to meet national standards for downtown revitalization and community development.

Maintaining accreditation with Main Street America provides valuable support, educational resources, funding opportunities, and credibility, reinforcing Main Street Chillicothe’s mission to preserve and enhance the downtown district.

The assessment was led by Joi Cuartero Austin, CEcD, Senior Program Officer for Economic Vitality at Main Street America, with support from Keith Winge, State Community Development Director at Missouri Main Street Connection. The review covered key areas such as funding, operations, programs, and the district's overall impact. The evaluation focused on the organization’s effectiveness in the four pillars of the Main Street Approach™: Economic Vitality, Design, Promotion, and Organization.

Throughout the day, staff, board members, committee members, volunteers, and city and county representatives participated in various sessions to review successes, challenges, and future opportunities. Key accomplishments in 2024 were highlighted, including implementation of the Locable community platform, significant volunteer hours dedicated to programming, strong partnerships and collaborations cultivated, and growing youth involvement.

The assessment also provided valuable insights and recommendations for continued growth and improvement.

This year marks Main Street Chillicothe’s 25th Anniversary as a Main Street program—an important milestone that reflects decades of dedication to preserving and enhancing downtown Chillicothe.

For more information about Main Street Chillicothe’s initiatives or to get involved, please visit www.downtownchilli.com or follow us on social media @mainstreetchilli.

About Main Street Chillicothe
Main Street Chillicothe is a non-profit organization dedicated to preserving, revitalizing, and enhancing downtown Chillicothe. By fostering community pride, supporting small businesses, and celebrating our rich history, we are building a stronger and more vibrant future for our community. For more information or to make a donation, please visit www.downtownchilli.com/partnership/ or contact us at 660-646-4071.

As a Missouri Main Street Accredited program, MAIN STREET CHILLICOTHE is a recognized, leading program among the state network of more than 50 districts and communities who share both a commitment to creating high-quality places and to building stronger communities through preservation-based economic development.

As a Main Street America Accredited Program, Chillicothe Main Street, Inc. is a recognized leading program among the national network of more than 1,200 neighborhoods and communities who share both a commitment to creating high-quality places and to building stronger communities through preservation-based economic development. All Main Street America Accredited Programs meet a set of National Accreditation Standard of Performance as outlined by the National Main Street Center.

Special thanks to our current partners, many "Friends of Main Street" supporters, and our volunteers who make it all happen. This place matters and so do you.