Anniston, AL – The City of Anniston is proud to announce that Main Street Anniston has officially been designated as a 2025 Accredited Main Street America™ program—the highest level of recognition awarded by Main Street America. This historic achievement marks the first time in the city’s history that Main Street Anniston has received this national honor, underscoring the growing momentum in economic development, historic preservation, and downtown revitalization.
This prestigious designation reflects the outstanding efforts of the Main Street Anniston team, local businesses, community stakeholders, and city leadership. Working in close partnership, these groups have helped shape a thriving and vibrant downtown district. Accreditation is only awarded to programs that meet rigorous national standards aligned with the Main Street Approach™, a proven framework for community-led revitalization.
“Main Street America is proud to recognize this year’s 821 Accredited Main Street America programs for their commitment to building strong and vibrant communities,” said Erin Barnes, President and CEO of Main Street America. “Their tireless efforts show what’s possible when engaged leaders work together to shape places that reflect the people they serve. The continued impact of our network shows that the Main Street movement remains a powerful force for positive transformation.”
Main Street Anniston’s performance was thoroughly evaluated by both local leadership and the Main Street Alabama coordinating program, which collaborates closely with Main Street America. To earn accreditation, programs must demonstrate success in six core areas: broad-based community commitment, inclusive leadership, sustainable operations, strategy-driven programming, preservation-based economic development, and measurable results.
“This recognition is a major milestone for our team and community,” said Karla Eden, Executive Director of Main Street Anniston. “Earning accreditation reflects countless hours of collaboration, planning, and dedication. Running a Main Street program requires grit, resilience, and a strong belief in the potential of downtown. This honor belongs to our volunteers, city partners, local businesses, and staff who work each day to bring that vision to life. We’ve faced challenges, grown through experience, and stayed committed to building a downtown where people want to be. As we celebrate this achievement, we stay focused on the future—creating a vibrant, inclusive, and thriving heart of Anniston.”
The 2025 designation places Anniston among a national network of communities leading the way in downtown development, with an emphasis on creating places that reflect the character and aspirations of the people who call them home.
