By promoting connectivity and engagement, the SDDA aims to transform Downtown Staunton into a thriving community hub where people can come together to explore, shop, dine, and experience the rich heritage and charm of the area.
Through collaborative efforts and strategic initiatives, the SDDA strives to enhance the overall quality of life and promote sustainable economic development in the heart of Staunton.
About the Organization
As a Virginia Main Street non-profit, the Staunton Downtown Development Association nurtures a culturally vibrant and economically robust Downtown.
The SDDA’s Vision is to connect customers, entrepreneurs, residents and visitors, making Downtown Staunton a genuine community hub.
What is the Downtown Service District (DSD)? All commercial properties located within the boundaries of the Downtown Service District pay a special assessment tax of an additional 15 cents for every $100 of property tax, which supports the SDDA. Business and property owners within the DSD boundaries receive different benefits as compared to those who are outside those boundaries.
Board of Directors
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Jessica Sawyers
Mill Street Body & Soul Day Spa
PRESIDENT & PROMOTIONS CHAIR
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Claire Richardson
BRCC, Community Member at Large
VICE PRESIDENT
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Liesel Crosier
Mary Baldwin University
SECRETARY
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Tammy Warren
City National Bank
TREASURER
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Sarah Lynch
Baja Bean Co.
ECONOMIC VITALITY CHAIR
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Brad Arrowood
Staunton City Council
CITY COUNCIL LIAISON, DESIGN CHAIR
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Leslie Beauregard
Staunton City Manager
EX OFFICIO
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Jen Clarke
Yelping Dog Wine/CFO Trading Co.
Board Member
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Justine Juart Lunsford
Augusta County Public Schools
Downtown Resident
Board Member
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Sandi Cararo
The Book Dragon Shop
Board Member
SDDA Staff
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Owen Marshall
MARKETING MANAGER
Committees
The Main Street Four Points approach addresses the following areas, and all are welcome to serve on any of the following committees. For additional information: info@stauntondowntown.org
Design
The Design Committee is dedicated to enhancing the first impression of downtown visitors and improving the visual quality of downtown by addressing all the elements of its environment– not just buildings and storefronts but also signs, kiosks, public improvements, landscaping, seasonal flower baskets, seating, walkways, and lighting.
Properties in the SDDA district are shown in this map of the Downtown Service District.
Streetscape Plan for the City of Staunton: Streetscape Plans
Through Virginia Main Street, the SDDA offers free façade and sign design, If you are interested contact stauntondowntown@gmail.com.
Promotions
The Promotions Committee awareness for Downtown to generate retail and dining traffic, create a positive image of downtown Staunton and maintain pride in the central business district through promotional events, partnerships and community awareness activities.
Keep track of SDDA events on our Google Calendar!
Follow us on Facebook, at Staunton Downtown Development and the Shop Staunton First interest page and Instagram for all the latest news and updates.
Sign up to receive our Downtown Lowdown e-blasts.
Economic Vitality
The Economic Vitality Committee works to strengthen downtown’s existing assets and fulfill its broadest market potential by improving the competitiveness of downtown merchants, recruiting new businesses and converting unused space into housing, offices, or cultural facilities. Find resources for opening and running a successful business in our downtown in the Open a Business section or visit the Downtown Properties tab to find listings!
Organization
The Organization Committee oversees membership, member development, fundraising, SDDA organizational housekeeping. This committee determines member benefits and hosts activities such as the Downtown Round Table, Board elections, annual membership drive, and annual meeting.
Organizational structure and procedures are contained in the Articles of Incorporation and 2022 By-Laws.
Grants and Recognition
Recognition
2001 Dozen Distinctive Destinations
2002 Great American Main Street Award (the first Virginia city to win this award)
President’s Citation from the Preservation Alliance of Virginia
2001 National Trust Dozen Distinctive Destinations
2002 President’s Citation ~ Preservation Alliance of Virginia
2006 and 2007 Virginia Main Street $45 million in Private Investment
2010 Virginia Main Street 25th Anniversary Award for $50 Million in Private Investment
2011 Virginia Main Street Award for Outstanding Stewardship of Historic Preservation
2011 Tourism Business of the Year award from the Staunton/Augusta Chamber of Commerce
Best Shopping Area in the Shenandoah Valley – Virginia Living Magazine Readers Poll 2012~2018
2012 Virginia Main Street Milestone Achievement Award for fostering over 500 downtown building projects
Virginia Main Street Award Volunteer Hours: 2007 for 15,000; 2008 for 15,000; 2009 for 25,000; 2010 25th Anniversary for 40,000; 2011 for 50,000; 2012 for 65,000; 2013 for 80,000; 2014 for 100,000; 2015 for 110,000; 2016 for 170,000; 2018
2018 $110 Million in Private Investment
Grants
Virginia Main Street $10,000 Small Business Support Relief and Recovery Initiative Grant
Virginia Main Street $25,000 Downtown Improvement Grant: 2010 for Street Banners; 2011 for Wharf Lighting; 2012 for Sunspots Pavilion; 2016 for Staunton Stories, Downtown Discount Card, Community Survey; 2017 StauntoNites
Virginia Main Street $2,500 Mini-Downtown Improvement Grant: 2013 for BRIGHT Idea Innovation Grants
John Marlles Scholarship for Main Street National Conference: 2008 Philadelphia, 2010 Oklahoma City, 2012 Baltimore, 2013 New Orleans, 2015 Atlanta, 2016 Milwaukie, 2018 Kansas City
$100,000 Community Business Launch Grant: 2015 BRIGHT REWIRED Business Plan Competition
Community Foundation $5,000 Community Grant: Bright Lights on Beverley
Community Foundation $2,500 Community Grant: Bright Lights on Beverley
FAQs
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The SDDA is funded by a special service district tax of .15 for every $100 in commercial property taxes, a $62,000 appropriation from the City general funds, membership dues, fundraisers, sponsorships, grants, and donations.
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The SDDA uses the Main Street Four Point Approach®for economic development created by the Main Street Trust for Historic Preservation combined with the Main Street America approach to community transformation. The leadership of the SDDA is provided by a volunteer board of directors, active committee structure, as well as one full-time Executive Director, a full-time Assistant Executive Director, a part-time Marketing Manager, a part-time Finance Manager, and a part time Administrative Assistant. While the SDDA is an independent, 501c3 non-profit, we do have a contract with the City of Staunton that outlines the details of our public-private partnership.
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The SDDA’s budget, work plan, and end-of-year reports can be found in the Reports & Documents section above.
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It all begins with an idea. Maybe you want to launch a business. Maybe you want to turn a hobby into something more. Or maybe you have a creative project to share with the world. Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference.