Mainstreet Mexico will continue its efforts to revitalize downtown with help from the city.
City council members approved a $35,000 contribution to Mainstreet Mexico for the upcoming fiscal year …
This item is available in full to subscribers.
We have recently launched a new and improved website. To continue reading, you will need to either log into your subscriber account, or purchase a new subscription.
If you are a digital subscriber with an active subscription, or you are a print subscriber who had access to our previous website, then you already have an account here. Just reset your password if you have not yet logged in to your account on this new site.
If you are a current print subscriber and did not have a user account on our previous website, you can set up a free website account by clicking here.
Otherwise, click here to view your options for subscribing.
Please log in to continue |
Mainstreet Mexico will continue its efforts to revitalize downtown with help from the city.
City council members approved a $35,000 contribution to Mainstreet Mexico for the upcoming fiscal year at the July 27 meeting. Council member Dr. Alexander Finck abstained from voting as he currently serves as Mainstreet Mexico president.
“We’re excited about their continued investment and partnership in Mainstreet Mexico, and I think they’re going to get a substantial return on their investment as we continue to generate momentum and pivot towards further investment downtown,” Finck said.
Last year, the city contributed $35,000 to help cover operational expenses including hiring a new executive director for Mainstreet Mexico. Finck said this year’s contribution will be largely spent on the same.
“We are currently in the process of looking for an executive director and exploring our options to fill the position,” he said.
In March, Katie Smith was hired as executive director of Mainstreet Mexico. Finck declined to comment on why Smith is no longer with the organization.
Mainstreet Mexico efforts this past year have included supporting holiday celebrations and the Magic Tree lighting, placing and maintaining planters downtown, decorating downtown businesses for the America 250 celebration, replacing light pole banners, hosting a fall and spring Mexico Market Madness flea market event, and working with the Missouri Arts Council to get a Ray Harvey mural on the Odd Fellows Lodge.
Currently, the Mainstreet Mexico board is working on getting another mural for the Jefferson Street Mini-Park. The project was recently awarded to Sharon Koontz, owner of Color Me Bleu in Mexico.
“We solicited multiple bids, but that was the most competitive one and she’s a local business owner and muralist,” Finck said.
An exact timeline for the completion of the mural has not been determined, but Finck said the project should be moving forward in the coming months.
“A strong downtown in rural Missouri cities means a strong city in many regards,” he said. “There’s a strong beating heart of local businesses in downtown Mexico and revitalization of that, with support from the city, raises the tide of all boats in town.”
