McPherson Main Street earns top national accreditation for downtown revitalization
The organization secured more than $127,000 in grants and hosted 18 community events last year to boost the local economy.
MCPHERSON, Kan. — McPherson Main Street has achieved the highest national recognition for its downtown revitalization efforts, being named a 2026 Accredited Main Street America program. The designation places the organization among 838 accredited programs nationwide and caps a year of significant local economic investment. In 2025, the local group secured a $100,000 HEAL grant from the Kansas Department of Commerce — an agency operating under Gov. Laura Kelly, a Democrat — to support rural downtown development. The organization also leveraged a $25,000 McPherson Rotary Club grant for new Plaza shade structures and a $2,500 McPherson County Community Foundation grant to fund free public movie nights. Executive Director Johni Doughman said the top-tier accreditation reflects the city's ongoing momentum and collaborative community spirit.
To earn the accreditation, McPherson Main Street met rigorous performance standards evaluated by Kansas Main Street and the national organization, demonstrating proven success in preservation-based economic development and local engagement. Beyond securing capital improvements, the local program hosted 18 community events last year, partnered with television station KWCH to provide discounted advertising for member businesses, and launched a radio segment with Ad Astra Radio to highlight downtown merchants. The McPherson initiatives mirror broader national successes for the movement; Main Street America programs generated $9.4 billion in local reinvestment, rehabilitated 10,623 historic buildings, and facilitated 36,549 net new jobs in 2025, returning an average of $23.13 for every dollar spent on program operations.
Found a mistake? Have a news tip or feedback to share? Contact our newsroom using the button below:
