Picayune Main Street has been reaccredited by the Main Street America Program for complying with standards set by the National Main Street Center and Mississippi Main Street Association.

According to a release by the National Main Street Center, Main Street programs across the state are recognized for their performance, commitment to preservation-based economic development and community revitalization through the Main Street Approach.

“Main Street programs play a strategic role in making Mississippi more competitive by stimulating local, regional and statewide economic development,” MMSA Board President Allison Beasley said in the release.

Picayune Main Street Director Reba Beebe said Picayune Main Street has received the prestigious designation for the past 11 years.

In order to receive MMSA accreditation, each Main Street organization’s performance and work is evaluated to ensure it meets the criteria. That criteria includes building comprehensive and sustainable revitalization efforts, fostering strong public-private partnerships, securing an operation budget, tracking programmatic progress and actively preserving historic buildings, the release states.

Picayune Main Street applies the National Main Street Four-Point Approach of design, organization, promotion and economic vitality to attract more people to the city’s historic downtown and bolster the economy, the release states.

Beebe said she is excited the local organization was recognized yet again. She said she is constantly making improvements to Picayune Main Street that will benefit the businesses and increase attendance at Main Street events.

“I’m… happy for us and for our program,” Beebe said.