Nevada Main Street Program Awards $425,517 to Revitalize Downtowns Statewide

Governor Lombardo's initiative funds 31 community projects across 20 organizations, boosting economic vitality from Henderson to Winnemucca

The Nevada Governor's Office of Economic Development (GOED) has announced the distribution of $425,517 in grant funding through its Nevada Main Street program, supporting 31 revitalization projects across 20 Main Street organizations statewide.

The grants, part of the state's 2026 funding cycle, aim to strengthen both urban and rural downtowns through beautification efforts, historic preservation, small business support, and public art installations.

"The Nevada Main Street program delivers critical funding that helps keep our communities vibrant and economically strong," Governor Joe Lombardo said. "By supporting these projects, we are fostering Nevada's future and creating broad economic opportunities across the state."

Comprehensive Investment Across Nevada Communities

The program's holistic approach to downtown revitalization is reflected in the diversity of funded projects, spanning metropolitan centers and remote rural towns alike.

Southern Nevada receives significant investment, with the City of Henderson awarded $25,508 for gateway beautification. Main Street Boulder City secured $21,900 for Historic District beautification, while Pahrump Valley Main Street obtained $11,000 for intersection beautification and a tourism kiosk art installation. Mesquite Opportunities Regional Fund received one of the larger grants at $32,700 for its Main Street Art and Identity Enhancement project.

The Reno-Sparks metropolitan area saw substantial funding across multiple districts. The Downtown Reno Partnership received $20,000 for train trench bridge murals and window paint murals targeting vacant storefronts. MidTown Reno secured $31,900 for a mural and art matching program plus a wayfinding signage system. The Reno Brewery District was awarded $20,000 for branding and digital presence development, while the Reno Riverwalk District received $8,500 for placemaking banners. The Wells Avenue District Reno obtained $16,770 for a corridor beautification and safety initiative.

Rural mining and historic communities feature prominently among recipients. Tonopah Main Street received $34,000—among the highest individual awards—for a small business incubator and event space, along with the creation of "Mural Alley." Goldfield Main Street secured $21,916 for Town Square bathrooms and a Main Street flag project. Virginia City Main Street was awarded $29,106 for multiple initiatives including the Sazerac Lying Club/Comstock Tall Tales Competition, façade improvements, and a "Then & Now" street scene exhibit celebrating the town's storied past.

Western Nevada communities also benefited significantly. Main Street Gardnerville received $29,000 for three projects: the Hub on Main, Heritage Gardens phase 2, and the whimsical "Wish Ewe Were Here" sheep sculptures. Main Street Fernley secured $31,488 for Main Street Art Park improvements. Yerington Main Street obtained $24,792 for a façade improvement program and historical markers.

Northern and eastern Nevada saw investments in Winnemucca Main Street ($15,000 for community garden refurbishment), White Pine Main Street ($19,920 for streetlight banners), and Wells Avenue initiatives.

Central Nevada's Highway 95 corridor received funding through Hawthorne Main Street ($19,182 for bistro lighting, pole restoration, and a façade improvement program) and the Goldfield and Tonopah projects.

Smaller but impactful grants went to Main Street Caliente ($2,839 for Olson Senior Community Center benches) and Jackson Street Alliance ($9,995 for picture facades and beautification).

Economic Development Through Placemaking

Shari Davis, GOED's director of rural economic and community development, emphasized the program's multiplier effect on local economies.

"Thanks to continued funding and support from the governor and legislature, GOED and the Main Street program are making positive changes throughout Nevada's communities," Davis said. "Nevada Main Street investments help small businesses grow, restore historic spaces, and create welcoming places where people want to gather. When our Main Streets thrive, the entire community thrives."

Davis added that the investments are "strengthening local pride, boosting economic activity, and ensuring our Nevada downtowns remain vibrant destinations for generations to come."

Program Background

The Nevada Main Street program, administered by GOED, takes a comprehensive approach to downtown revitalization that combines economic development strategies with placemaking initiatives. The program serves as a catalyst for community investment, leveraging state funds to support local priorities identified by Main Street organizations throughout the state.

GOED was established during the 2011 Nevada Legislature session as a collaborative effort to restructure economic development statewide. The office promotes a diversified economy through business expansion and retention, entrepreneurial support, new business attraction, and community development initiatives.

About the Governor’s Office of Economic Development

Created during the 2011 session of the Nevada Legislature, the Governor’s Office of Economic Development is the result of a collaborative effort between the Nevada Legislature and the Governor’s Office to restructure economic development in the state. GOED’s role is to promote a robust, diversified and prosperous economy in Nevada, to stimulate business expansion and retention, encourage entrepreneurial enterprise, attract new businesses and facilitate community development.