At its January meeting in Houston, the Texas Historical Commission (THC) welcomed Smithville and 23 other Texas communities into the THC’s First Street initiative.

First Street enables communities to connect with THC programs and services, develop peer networks, identify local opportunities, and share best practices for downtown management.

Smithville’s participation in the First Street Initiative will support ongoing efforts to strengthen the community’s historic downtown by focusing on our unique assets and community priorities. Local leaders plan to use the program’s training and peer network to advance projects such as brief local priority, e.g., façade improvements, small business support, public space activation, wayfinding, or events. Additional details about upcoming opportunities for community involvement will be announced by the City of Smithville as they are developed.

Smithville joined Aledo, Allen, Brownsboro, Caddo Mills, Castroville, Cleburne, Cleveland, Dumas, Fort Davis, the Handley neighborhood of Fort Worth, Glen Rose, Grand Prairie, Hondo, Hughes Springs, Mansfield, Mercedes, Port Lavaca, Post, Rhome, Richmond, San Benito, the Silk Road Cultural Heritage District in San Antonio, and Wills Point.

The First Street Initiative provides free educational and networking opportunities for downtown districts and urban neighborhoods interested in community revitalization and view historic preservation as a priority. First Street participants that are interested and eligible may pursue entry to the THC’s Texas Main Street Program, part of the nationally recognized Main Street America initiative.

The First Street Initiative provides free educational and networking opportunities for downtown districts and urban neighborhoods interested in community revitalization and view historic preservation as a priority. First Street participants that are interested and eligible may pursue entry to the THC’s Texas Main Street Program, part of the nationally recognized Main Street America initiative.

Additional information is available on the program webpage www.thc.texas.gov/firststreet.

The Smithville downtown business and property owners should contact for City of Smithville, First Street Initiative, Robert Andrade, Director of Economic Development, 512-237-3282 X2110. Your participation is important for the program to be a successful.