Vicksburg’s downtown is once again official.

Last week Vicksburg Main Street, which organizes many of the events held downtown, was once again re-certified by the National Main Street Center. Vicksburg was one of 52 cities across the state that are designated as accredited Main Street America programs.

“We are honored that for 32 years now we have upheld the standards set by Main Street America and are so excited that we have another year of accreditation,” said Kim Hopkins, Main Street’s executive director. “Having this accreditation means that we are able to show support and help the quality of life at the local level. Our downtown is certainly something to be proud of. It shows our tourists and locals our community character.”

Hopkins quoted Patrice Frey, the president and CEO the National Main Street Center, when noting that certified communities are evaluated according to 10 standards, which include “fostering strong public-private partnerships, securing an operating budget, tracking programmatic progress and actively preserving historic buildings.”

In 2015, Mississippi Main Street cities generated 178 net new businesses, 49 business expansions to existing businesses, 1,695 net new jobs, 61 facade rehabilitations and 225 downtown residential units, and more than 47,377 volunteer hours, according to information from Mississippi Main Street.

“We are firm believers in preservation. We believe that preserving and building can do nothing but help our community grow and become more vibrant,” Hopkins said. “We are proud of our strong local enterprise, distinctive character, engaged residents and providing our community with a sense of place.”

The accreditation and success of Vicksburg’s downtown are a team effort, she added.

“It is the heart of our community and so many people work hard to preserve it,” she said. “There are many out there actively rehabbing buildings and so many people reaching out and wanting to come downtown to live here and open up their businesses.

“We can’t thank our property owners, investors, businesses, volunteers, and supporters enough for believing in downtown Vicksburg; it gives us all a sense of accomplishment and pride. Strengthening economic development in our downtown is something we always strive for and big things are happening at a local level downtown.”