FRANKFORT, Ky. (March 12, 2026) – Today, Gov. Andy Beshear announced that Kentucky Main Street (KYMS) program communities finished 2025 strong, reporting a total investment of $75.6 million in downtown commercial districts, resulting in 395 new jobs and 72 new businesses.
“Our downtowns are the heart of our communities and through this program they’ve celebrated major growth and success as they fuel our economy, create good jobs and boost our record-breaking tourism industry,” said Gov. Beshear. “Team Kentucky is grateful to our Main Street leaders for their continuous hard work. Together, we’re making our New Kentucky Home a better place to visit, live and work.”
The $75.6 million represents $23.6 million in private investments matched by $8.9 million in public investments encompassing building rehabilitation, new construction, infrastructure and special projects offset by rehabilitation tax credits, grant funds and local city and county budgets. Additionally, these communities finished the year with a net gain of 205 new full-time jobs, 190 new part-time jobs, 29 business expansions and $32.6 million invested in completing 26 rehabilitation projects in Main Street districts. These efforts were also supported by over 26,000 volunteer hours, illustrating the communities’ deep commitment.
“From some of the best restaurants to local shops and services, the businesses along Kentucky Main Streets fuel tourism and economic growth across the commonwealth. With an emphasis on historic preservation, along with public and private investment partnerships, Kentucky Main Street communities are flourishing more than ever,” said Tourism, Arts & Heritage Cabinet Secretary Lindy Casebier. “We are proud of our Main Street program’s successes and the many ways it has contributed to quality of life in our New Kentucky Home, while showcasing what is special about our communities.”
Since its inception, the Kentucky Main Street program has generated over $4.8 billion in investment throughout the commonwealth.
Maysville Main Street Director Caroline Reece, whose main street welcomed 45 new jobs in 2025, highlights the community’s longstanding commitment to the Main Street program and the growth downtown.
“2025 marked the 46th year our town has enjoyed the support and assistance of the Kentucky Main Street program. Maysville is a community that honors its vivid history while confidently embracing change,” said Reece. “Last year, our downtown saw major projects ranging from the complete renovation of the historic home of Kentucky’s first female mayor to the continued modernization of a downtown medical facility. In addition to that, there were 28 façade and interior improvements to our treasured historic buildings. We saw over $7 million invested in the downtown and 45 new jobs were created. Together, these efforts strengthen and revitalize our Main Street District, proving that progress and preservation can walk hand in hand.”
For 2025, Murray Main Street reported $3.7 million in cumulative investments, four net new businesses and 13 net new jobs within the Murray Commercial Downtown Historic District. Murray Main Street Executive Director Deana Wright credited the success to the structure and support of the Kentucky Main Street and the National Main Street programs.
“Having the Kentucky Main Street program as a resource gives us the tools and guidance to grow downtown strategically,” Wright said. “The Four-Point Approach helps us focus on economic vitality, design, promotion and organization to build sustainable, community-driven growth in Murray resulting in strong reinvestment numbers year after year. We are proud of our partnership with the state and national program and look forward to continued growth in downtown Murray.”
Newly hired director and former Main Street Pineville board member Candace Tingen encourages travelers to visit Pineville and support local businesses after ongoing renovations.
“We’re so proud of the perseverance and patience of our business owners over the last several years of construction and renovations downtown. We’re also grateful for the community members who have continued to support Main Street and its businesses through the process,” said Tingen. “While $6 million investments don’t come along often in small rural towns, the return on investment and the community pride it will bring are priceless. So many partners were involved in making our renovation projects come to fruition and KYMS was always there supporting us and cheering us on. Main Streets are the backbone of many rural economies, and Pineville’s continues to grow stronger. Come see us!”
The Kentucky Main Street program builds on the New Kentucky Home initiative by revitalizing downtown communities to attract new visitors. The Kentucky Main Street communities’ investments and job creation build on the commonwealth’s recent economic momentum, including within the tourism industry.
To capitalize on Kentucky’s historic economic momentum and record-breaking tourism success, Gov. Beshear announced New Kentucky Home, a strategic initiative to further drive economic investment, attract and retain talent and increase tourism across the commonwealth.
The Governor announced that 2024 was the strongest year on record for tourism, generating $14.3 billion in economic impact and supporting 97,394 jobs. This milestone marks the third straight record-breaking year for tourism in Kentucky.
In 2025, Gov. Beshear announced that 87 tourism marketing organizations across 80 counties are receiving $2 million through the Regional Marketing and Matching Funds Program.
In 2025, Gov. Beshear announced five new tourism development projects, generating an estimated $118 million in economic investment. These projects are expected to create approximately 298 jobs when operational.
Since the beginning of the Beshear administration, 37 tourism development projects totaling an estimated investment of $1.1 billion have received final approval. Once operational, these projects will create more than 5,000 jobs. This is the highest investment figure secured during the tenure of any governor in the commonwealth’s history.
The Kentucky Main Street program was created by the Kentucky Heritage Council (KHC)/State Historic Preservation Office in 1979 to boost economic development in central business districts through historic preservation and redevelopment of commercial buildings.
The statewide program has 22 communities: Bardstown, Beattyville, Campbellsville, Carrollton, Grayson, Guthrie, LaGrange, Maysville, Middlesboro, Morehead, Murray, Paducah, Perryville, Pikeville, Pineville, Salyersville, Scottsville, Shelbyville, Springfield, Taylorsville, Tri-Cities of Cumberland, Benham and Lynch, and Williamsburg.
To view the 2025 Kentucky Main Street report, visit the Kentucky Main Street webpage. To learn more about the Kentucky Main Street Program and the Kentucky Heritage Council, visit heritage.ky.gov.