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LG on the Move

Main Streets across our state showcase the best of small businesses and efforts to revitalize downtowns.

The Office of the Lt. Governor partnered with Illinois Main Street to revive the state program after it lost all funding in 2015. Originally an effort to revitalize commercial corridors throughout the state and spur economic development in communities, under the new vision of Illinois Main Street, both urban and rural revitalization efforts have been prioritized—as well the expansion of the program to support more regions. 

The Office of the Lt. Governor partnered with the Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity (DCEO) for the 2021 Illinois Main Street Conference that took place in Jacksonville, Illinois. This event brought together local leaders for educational sessions and networking opportunities in the service of downtown revitalizations. This was the first conference in Illinois focused on commercial corridor revitalization since 2015. 

Since then, Illinois Main Street has grown to include more communities served by the program as well as additional full-time staff to further its work. Building on this progress, the 2022 Illinois Main Street Conference hosted in Bloomington, Illinois—with the support of the Lt. Governor’s office and DCEO—brought back the Lieutenant Governor Awards for Excellence in Revitalization. These awards are presented to communities and individuals recognized for leading in revitalization work, including: design, organization, economic vitality, promotions, as well as honors for volunteers and board members.

Lt. Governor Stratton is known for supporting small businesses, often stopping by coffee shops, restaurants or boutiques and speaking with small business owners. She is also an avid runner, hiker and biker, often enjoying the many state parks Illinois has to offer. Uplifting the hidden gems of Illinois, brick and mortar and beyond, is a true passion.  

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