The Town of Bowling Green’s BGVA Main Street has been designated as a 2026 Affiliate Main Street America program for meeting high performance standards. Each year, Main Street America and its partners announce the roster of designated programs in recognition of their commitment to creating meaningful improvements in their downtowns through preservation-based economic development and community revitalization using the Main Street Approach.
“We are proud to recognize BGVA as a 2026 Affiliate Main Street America program for your unwavering commitment to grassroots transformation and the extraordinary abilities of your staff, board of directors, and volunteers to respond to the needs of their community,” Erin Barnes, president and CEO of Main Street America, said in a statement. “BGVA Main Street demonstrates a dedication to investing in the people and places that make your downtown district special and contribute to the collective power of the Main Street movement to build vibrant spaces and durable economies.”
Main Street America recognizes two tiers of national designation: accredited and affiliate. BGVA Main Street is one of 453 nationally recognized Affiliate Main Street America organizations and is a part of a network of over 1,600 communities leading commercial district transformation efforts throughout the U.S.
BGVA Main Street’s performance was evaluated through assessments conducted by the organization’s personnel and board of directors in partnership with Main Street America to identify local programs that meet national community evaluation standards. These standards provide the Main Street America network with a framework for reviewing progress, recognizing strengths, understanding trends, and identifying strategies to move Main Street programs forward.
To qualify for affiliate status, communities must demonstrate a strong commitment to the Main Street model and dedication to achieving outcomes in six areas: broad-based community commitment to revitalization; inclusive leadership and organizational capacity; diversified funding and sustainable program operations; strategy-driven programming; preservation-based economic development; and demonstrated impact and results.
In partnership with BGVA Main Street, the Town of Bowling Green has promoted the town’s business community, historical preservation and tourism attractions. Other areas of partnership include:
- Strategic planning
- Grant awards
- Community surveys
- Business appreciation events
- District-wide outreach with maps, flyers and rack cards
- Increase in support for community-wide events
“This is an exciting time for the Town of Bowling Green,” Town Manager India Adams-Jacobs said. “The town’s partnership with BGVA Main Street has energized our outreach efforts in so many successful ways. We greatly appreciate the volunteers who have spent endless hours to promote the town and enhance the possibilities for our business community and the citizens at large.”
In 2025, Main Street America programs generated $9.4 billion in local reinvestment, welcomed 6,936 net new businesses, facilitated the creation of 36,549 net new jobs, rehabilitated 10,623 historic buildings, and leveraged 1.8 million volunteer hours. On average, for every dollar a Main Street program spent on operations, $23.13 was reinvested in its downtown district.
Main Street America is a nonprofit subsidiary of the National Trust for Historic Preservation. For more information, visit mainstreet.org.
