First Street Initiative
First Street Initiative Press Release
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Fort Davis Chamber of Commerce @ ftdavischambersocial@gmail.com
Date: March 12, 2026
Texas Historical Commission’s First Street Initiative Welcomes Fort Davis into New Downtown Revitalization Cohort
Fort Davis, Texas—At its January meeting in Houston, the Texas Historical Commission (THC) welcomed Fort Davis and 23 other Texas communities into the THC’s First Street initiative.
First Street enables communities to connect with THC programs and services, develop peer networks, identify local opportunities, and share best practices for downtown management.
“Tourism is growing, and we’re committed to growing well,” said Pam Bilbrey, Executive Director of the Fort Davis Chamber and Visitor Center. “Revitalizing downtown will create a walkable place where visitors can explore, shop, dine, and enjoy the outdoors while preserving our community’s heritage. It also builds on our ongoing efforts to support local businesses, activate public spaces, and shape a downtown experience that reflects the character and pride of Fort Davis.” Fort Davis is also the first unincorporated town to be awarded this program.
Fort Davis’ participation in the First Street Initiative will support ongoing efforts to strengthen the community’s historic downtown by focusing on our unique assets and community priorities. Local leaders plan to use the program’s training and peer network to advance projects such as Improved walkways, small business support, public space activation, and seating down Main Street, way finding, and a mural on the corner of State Street. Additional details about upcoming opportunities for community involvement will be announced by the Fort Davis Chamber of Commerce as they are developed.
Fort Davis joined Aledo, Allen, Brownsboro, Caddo Mills, Castroville, Cleburne, Cleveland, Dumas, the Handley neighborhood of Fort Worth, Glen Rose, Grand Prairie, Hondo, Hughes Springs, Mansfield, Mercedes, Port Lavaca, Post, Rhome, Richmond, San Benito, the Silk Road Cultural Heritage District in San Antonio, Smithville, and Wills Point.
The First Street Initiative provides free educational and networking opportunities for downtown districts and urban neighborhoods interested in community revitalization and view historic preservation as a priority. First Street participants that are interested and eligible may pursue entry to the THC’s Texas Main Street Program, part of the nationally recognized Main Street America initiative.
Additional information is available on the program webpage www.thc.texas.gov/firststreet.
