Donaldsonville, LA (7/18/2023) –
The Donaldsonville Downtown Development District has once again earned its National Main Street
Accreditation for 2023.
The Donaldsonville Downtown Development District’s Main Street Program has once again been
designated as an accredited Main Street™ program for meeting rigorous performance standards. Each
year, Main Street America and its partners announce the list of accredited programs to recognize their
exceptional commitment to preservation-based economic development and community revitalization
through the Main Street Approach™.
“We are extremely proud to recognize this year’s nationally Accredited Main Street America programs
that have worked tirelessly to advance economic vitality and quality of life in their downtowns and
commercial districts,” said Patrice Frey, President & CEO of Main Street America. “During another
incredibly challenging year, these programs demonstrated the power of the Main Street movement to
respond to the needs of their communities. I am inspired by their steadfast leadership and innovative
solutions to drive essential local recovery efforts, support small businesses, and nurture vibrant
downtown districts.”
The Donaldsonville Downtown Development District’s performance is annually evaluated by Louisiana
Main Street, which works in partnership with Main Street America to identify the local programs that
meet 10 national performance standards. Evaluation criteria determines the communities that are
building meaningful and sustainable revitalization programs and include standards such as, fostering
strong public-private partnerships, documenting programmatic progress, and actively preserving historic
buildings.
“The Donaldsonville Downtown Development District / Donaldsonville Main Street Program has
consistently earned this prestigious designation for over fifteen years for the work they do to promote
the City of Donaldsonville and is visible by the re-investment and revitalization taking place downtown,”
said Mayor Leroy J. Sullivan, Sr. “The Commission actively engages in providing site selection for
developers and investors, offer programs, events, festivals, and collaborate with small business
development organizations, the Donaldsonville Area Chamber of Commerce, the Ascension Parish
Tourism Commission, and other nationally accredited Main Street Programs across the country to
further their mission to revitalize and preserve historic downtown Donaldsonville which has had a
positive impact on development throughout our City,” he said. “I appreciate the efforts of the staff and
volunteer commissioners who have made these well-deserved recognitions possible and from their
plans, I can see there is much more positive recognition to come,” he concluded.
“The district is also home to the newly renovated Lemann Memorial Center and is awaiting restoration
of the La La Regira Field, all led by the city under the leadership of Mayor Leroy J. Sullivan, Sr. and
members of the Council,” said Melancon. “We have more to do, but we are extremely enthusiastic
about the future. “We appreciate the partnership with the Mayor, the city leadership, the Lieutenant
Governor’s Office of Culture, Recreation and Tourism, Ray Scriber and Amanda Lanata of Louisiana Main
Street, the Ascension Parish Tourism Commission, the Donaldsonville Historic District Commission, local
investors, realtors, and all the sponsors who make the Downtown Development District and all of the
festivals it hosts a huge successful,” he concluded.
For more information about the Donaldsonville Downtown Development District / Main Street Program,
visit www.donaldsonville-la.gov under the commissions tab or call Lee Melancon at 225.445.1383
