It makes sense to have local organizations whose interests dovetail with each other working in close proximity.

Now, it appears, that may well happen in Vicksburg.

Mayor Laurence Leyens has been the central person pushing the concept for years. This time, leaders of Vicksburg Main Street, the Chamber of Commerce and the Vicksburg Convention and Visitors Bureau are being more receptive.

The three said last week they will move forward with open minds about using the upper levels of the city-owned Levee Street Depot as the base for their administrative operations.

The three have different purposes and different funding sources. Main Street promotes downtown development and shopping and it plans and coordinates events and promotions. It is funded by a districtwide property tax and city and county supplements. The Chamber is a business development group that encompasses much more than retailing. It is supported by members, including the city and county. The VCVB is a tourism development agency, actually given birth by the Chamber. The VCVB has a dedicated local sales tax to fund its work in advertising Vicksburg as a tourism destination.

Their differences, however, are outmatched by the common purposes they serve.

Perhaps adding impetus to sharing a building is that two of the three — Main Street and the VCVB are both in need of downtown office space. The Chamber owns its own building on Mission 66, but it is on city-owned land.

There are savings to be attained through shared utilities, maintenance costs and such, but, as Leyens said, there’s more to be gained by the groups working within sight of each other, sharing ideas and enthusiasm.

For too long a derelict area, City Front is now a major community asset. Basing major community organizations there makes really good sense.