The Downtown Vicksburg Main Street Program has been selected as one of only 18 in Mississippi communities to receive the Rural Community Development Initiative (RCDI) grant from the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA).

Downtown Vicksburg Main Street Program Executive Director Kim Hopkins said the grant will aid in the development of the downtown area through funding for an expert guide through the process.

“This grant enables us to engage an expert in downtown development, who will assist us in evaluating our local real estate market and envisioning new opportunities for growth and an enhanced quality of life for both residents and visitors,” Hopkins explained.

Hopkins said Joe Borgstrom, a seasoned real estate consultant from Place + Main, will be in downtown Vicksburg Monday, April 15, to support developers, investors, and potential business owners in this endeavor.

“Joe brings a wealth of experience spanning a 20-year career in retail market analysis, real estate development, business recruitment, incentives, and economic development strategies,” she said. “His leadership has resulted in the leveraging of over $2.2 billion in private investment through the use of state and local incentives.”

Hopkins said the community is invited to join Borgstrom and Main Street Program officials that day at the Watermark, located
at 1415 Washington Street, at 6 p.m. for a walking tour.

“This event aims to gather (community) input on the future of downtown Vicksburg,” she said. “Your participation is essential as we strive to create a downtown that reflects the aspirations of our community.”

For more information, Hopkins may be contacted at 601-634-4527 or kimh@vicksburg.org.