City of San Antonio Launches RevitalizeSA
Published on November 27, 2023
City of San Antonio Launches RevitalizeSA: Corridor Leadership Program in Search of Community Leaders for Commercial Corridor Revival
SAN ANTONIO (November 27, 2023) — The RevitalizeSA: Corridor Leadership Program (RCLP) is accepting applications for San Antonio’s inaugural cohort of commercial revitalization leaders. The City of San Antonio, in partnership with Main Street America (MSA), seeks applications from individuals who have a sincere desire to build lasting skills that will benefit themselves and their local neighborhood commercial corridors.
The 9-month intensive program will be administered by Main Street America, an organization known nationally for its work in strengthening communities though preservation-based economic development in older and historic downtowns and commercial districts.
The RevitalizeSA: Corridor Leadership Program will offer participants hands-on leadership training designed to foster the development of useful tools to spark community improvement and skills to lead change in neighborhood commercial corridors in San Antonio. Moreover, selected participants will gain:
- Enhanced leadership abilities to drive change at the local level, specific to commercial corridor renewal.
- Proven strategies to champion neighborhood revitalization.
- Funding and support to complete their own corridor improvement project.
- Opportunities to access up to $10,000 in Commercial Hub Advancement for Neighborhood Growth (CHANGE) Grant Funds for a neighborhood corridor revitalization project.
- No-cost professional development training, supported by American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funds.
RCLP began as a pilot program in early 2023. During the early stages of recruiting applicants, program participants and administrators identified a need for trainings in leadership skills development. Recruitment for the retooled program launched on October 30. Facilitation of RCLP and associated grant opportunities is funded by State & Local Fiscal Recovery Funds made available through the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA).
“The City of San Antonio stands committed to backing our communities and the businesses who serve them,” said City Manager Erik Walsh. “As the City continues to plan our actions strategically, we have great confidence in the RevitalizeSA: Corridor Leadership Program. We are eager to see the positive growth that can come from budding community leaders when they are provided with the tools necessary to navigate corridor revitalization and growth.”
Main Street America leads a movement committed to creating places of shared prosperity, equal access to opportunity, and inclusive engagement in neighborhood commercial districts. Since, 1980, MSA has worked with a nationwide network of coordinating partners and local organizations, helping over 2,000 communities across the country bring economic vitality back downtown, while celebrating their historic character, unique assets, and sense of place.
“We’re really excited to partner with the City of San Antonio on the Revitalize SA: Corridor Leadership Program,” said Matt Wagner, Chief Program Officer at Main Street America. “We look forward to working with community members and fostering preservation-based economic development through the Main Street Approach to help build a collaborative network of commercial district practitioners in the city.”
Applications for the RevitalizeSA: Corridor Leadership Program will be accepted until December 15, 2023, at 3 p.m. CST. Applicant review and selection will occur in December 2023 and January 2024. Selected participants will be announced and program training will begin in January 2024.
More information about the program, information sessions (in-person and virtual), and the application are available at the RevitalizeSA website.