The Vibrant State of Missouri Main Street Connection’s Relationship with Missouri Legislators
February 10, 2025 | Logan Breer
Missouri Main Street Connection (MMSC) visited the Missouri state capital, Jefferson City, on January 28th with local Main Street program Executive Directors, board members, and city officials for the annual “Power of Main Street” day. This year, our network gathered for an extended lunch in preparation for sharing stories of Main Street’s impact on communities of all sizes and providing educational materials highlighting Main Streets economic growth with legislators across Missouri.
This energizing lunch featured three speakers. Tyler King, Executive Director of Downtown Washington, Inc., shared the importance of meeting with your legislator in Jefferson City and in their community. Elizabeth Lauber, MMSC’s Legislative Council, introduced herself and highlighted things they should share with their legislator. Lastly, MMSC’s staff reviewed the itinerary that provided an overview of the day’s activities.
Following lunch, community leaders from across the state strategically handed out informational pieces on the effectiveness of Main Street at the Capitol. Communities were given informational pieces to deliver to designated groups of representatives and senators including their own legislators and their office neighbors. Stopping by each door is important for Missouri Main Street Connection as legislators have unique and vital relationships and conversations with their constituents that present an opportunity for MMSC to connect with a legislator’s community in ways we would not be able to on our own.
During or after passing out the informational pieces, community leaders spent time with their state legislators, as able, sharing news about the local Main Street program’s accomplishments within the legislator’s district, specify their historic commercial district through the Main Street Approach™. These educational advocacy moments help legislators understand the impact Main Street programs have at the local level in generating economic growth such as small business development, job recruitment & retention, and private & public investment.
Some Main Streets packed their cars full of people and brought their local energy to the state capital. Downtown Fayette had the biggest group with 10 people including a High School government teacher and three High School students, what a great opportunity for these students!
We’re constantly making efforts to reach greater numbers of Missouri’s historic commercial districts and communities. It is always encouraging that Senator Rusty Black is eager for the communities he represents to thrive again as he annually asks us if any of his communities have become new Main Streets. We were able to share with him during our meetings that Stanberry and King City are recent additions to our tier list through the Community Empowerment Grant program. Additionally, Brookfield, Marceline, and Chillicothe shared the successes they have had over this past year in their respective communities.
Missouri Main Street Connection’s staff had a tight schedule with 15 local Main Street programs meeting with their representatives before the State of the State started at 3pm. MMSC staff attended the State of the State as it is a unique opportunity to hear from the Governor about his priorities. Downtown Fayette also stayed, which is an invaluable experience for the young students that attended.
We are so thankful for our wonderful programs and MMSC’s Board of Directors who participated and thank each of our legislators for their hard work in supporting MMSC and our local Main Street programs. We are fortunate for our partnership with the State of Missouri to invest in local communities and support their efforts to create thriving, vibrant communities that people want to live, shop, and work in.
