Wayfinding signage design concept for the Town of Boones Mill.
The West Piedmont Planning District Commission (WPPDC) is pleased to announce its partnership with the Town of Boones Mill in securing a $5,000 Virginia Main Street Community Vitality Grant. This funding will support the Boones Mill Downtown Wayfinding Implementation Project, which aims to improve downtown navigation and promote local economic growth.
On October 8, 2026, Governor Spanberger announced $615,000 in Virginia Main Street (VMS) grant funding to support downtown revitalization projects in 22 Virginia communities, including Boones Mill’s award for its Downtown Wayfinding Implementation Project. The Community Vitality Grant program assists Main Street communities with projects that strengthen downtown districts, improve visitor experiences, and support long-term economic development.
“As Boones Mill continues its downtown revitalization efforts, projects like this help lay the foundation for future growth,” said B.T. Fitzpatrick III, Town Manager for Boones Mill. “The new wayfinding signage will improve connectivity throughout downtown, encourage visitors to explore our business district, and reinforce our commitment to creating a vibrant and attractive community. We thank Virginia Main Street and WPPDC for their investment in Boones Mill’s future.”
WPPDC assisted the Town of Boones Mill throughout the grant process, including preparing the application, coordinating with Virginia Main Street representatives, designing signage mockups, mapping recommended placement locations, and gathering vendor quotes.
“I’m grateful to Virginia Main Street for this investment because Boones Mill is in a very unique position along the US 220 corridor, and these wayfinding improvements will help draw visitors and residents into the business district, highlight what the Town has to offer, and complement the downtown revitalization efforts already in motion,” stated Kiana Dillard, Economic Development Specialist for WPPDC.
The Downtown Wayfinding Implementation Project will install new directional and informational signage throughout downtown Boones Mill. These improvements are designed to help residents and visitors navigate the area, highlight key destinations, and create a more welcoming environment. The project advances the Town’s ongoing efforts to improve downtown accessibility, encourage tourism, and strengthen economic vitality.
This project supports Boones Mill’s participation in the Virginia Main Street program and complements other downtown revitalization initiatives focused on economic development, placemaking, and community engagement. The Virginia Main Street program follows the Main Street Approach™ of Main Street America, enabling communities to breathe new life into blighted buildings, support independent businesses, and build mixed-use downtowns.