The Town of Leesburg continues to make strides in maintaining downtown vibrancy through its partnership with The Leesburg Movement, an independent nonprofit participating in the Virginia Main Street program.
Main Street America leads an inclusive, impact-driven movement dedicated to reenergizing and strengthening historic downtowns and neighborhoods nationwide. Its signature framework, The Main Street Approach, provides a comprehensive, community-driven model for long-term success.
Through this framework, the Leesburg Movement is gaining valuable training and tools to develop a highly collaborative network of volunteers across a wide range of disciplines—including economic development, historic preservation, urban planning, finance, and public affairs. As a Tier Two Mobilizing Main Street organization, the Leesburg Movement is halfway through a two-year cohort with Virginia Main Street, joining 10 other Virginia communities in this immersive process.
Annual Update and Leadership
In May 2025, Erin Weston joined the Leesburg Movement as Executive Director, ushering the organization through the ongoing two-year cohort program. Earlier this month, Weston presented the Leesburg Movement’s annual update to Town Council on October 7th, sharing milestones, upcoming initiatives, and the organization’s continued commitment to downtown vitality.
View the presentation here: Leesburg Town Council Webcasts
Progress Through the Cohort
Leesburg’s journey as a Tier Two community began in January 2025. The two-year program, set to conclude in December 2026, prepares participating localities for advancement to Tier Three—Advancing Main Street Community status, the highest level of Main Street designation.
Each month, the cohort convenes for targeted training sessions on topics ranging from organizational governance to stakeholder engagement. In September, representatives from the Leesburg Department of Economic Development joined the Leesburg Movement for a workshop in Culpeper, VA. Sessions explored Local Leadership: Roles, Responsibilities, and Relationships and Policy in Practice: Tools to Further Main Street Priorities, emphasizing how collaboration among civic, policy, and community leaders drives successful revitalization.
Community Vitality Grants
Participation in the Virginia Main Street program also provides access to specialized grants that help communities put their training into action. Utilizing a $15,000 Community Vitality Grant, the Town of Leesburg recently completed a wayfinding study to improve visitor navigation and connectivity throughout town.
The Leesburg Movement received an Community Vitality Grant in the following cycle for the Lassiter Way Beautification Project, the first phase of which includes two vibrant road murals installed last week at each entrance of the alleyway. The project aims to beautify one of downtown’s key pedestrian corridors, enhancing the connection between the Town Hall Garage and businesses along Market and Loudoun Streets.
Upcoming Events
Downtown will be bustling with Main Street activities this season. The 3rd Annual Mistletoe Market returns on Saturday, December 6th, transforming the Courthouse Lawn into a festive marketplace just before the Town’s Holiday Tree Lighting at Town Green. The Leesburg Listening Room Series will also return in January, spotlighting local musicians and boutique venues during the slower winter months.
Get Involved
The Leesburg Movement is a volunteer-led organization that thrives on community participation. Residents, business owners, and enthusiasts are invited to lend their time, ideas, and talents to help shape downtown’s future.
Learn more and sign up to volunteer at leesburgmovement.com/get-involved.