OPELOUSAS, La. (City of Opelousas Tourism)– Opelousas Main Street has been designated as an accredited Main Street America™ program for meeting rigorous performance standards set by the National Main Street Center. Each year, the National Main Street Center and its partners announce the list of accredited Main Street America programs to recognize their exemplary commitment to preservation-based economic development and community revitalization through the Main Street Approach™

“We are proud to acknowledge this year’s 840 nationally accredited Main Street America programs that have worked tirelessly to strengthen their communities.  said Patrice Frey, President & CEO of the National Main Street Center. “These programs deserve recognition 

“Being named an accredited Main Street America community is an outstanding accomplishment for the City and lends itself as a contributor of community pride,” said Opelousas Mayor Julius Alsandor.

The Opelousas Main Street performance is annually evaluated by Louisiana Main Street, which works in partnership with the National Main Street Center to identify the local programs that meet ten national performance standards. Evaluation criteria determines the communities that are building comprehensive and sustainable revitalization efforts and include standards such as fostering strong public-private partnerships, documenting programmatic progress, and actively preserving historic buildings.

Over the last decade, Opelousas Main Street has work to developed itself into a public art community, working with several public art projects.  Through redevelopment incentive grants, the Main Street program has encouraged and worked with the rehabbing of historic structures and created small business promotion activities. In 2017, Opelousas Main Street was chosen as one of two cities in Louisiana for a national placemaking initiative called Sound Places. In addition, Main Street works hand in hand with various tourism and civic events.

“Without the help of volunteers and the support from City and Parish officials and business owners, Opelousas Main Street would not be able to do the work that it does,” said Melanie Lebouef, Opelousas Main Street Manager.

Opelousas Main Street Board President, Lee Ritter says, “As a Nationally accredited Main Street program for 2019 the Opelousas Main Street is encouraged to continue moving forward in advancing all of the wonderful programs and small business collaborations planned for our community.”