Opelousas Receives 2026 Main Street America Accreditation Honor

St. Landry Economic Development (SLED) is proud to announce that Opelousas, LA, has received the coveted Main Street America Accreditation honor for 2026. Only 19 Louisiana communities met the rigorous requirements for this honor. The award recognizes the ongoing efforts of community members, business leaders, and the hard work of Opelousas Downtown Development District and Opelousas Main Street to preserve downtown culture and heritage while continuously striving to build economic development opportunities that keep Opelousas and St. Landry Parish moving forward. 

What is Main Street America?

Main Street America is a national nonprofit dedicated to revitalizing downtowns and commercial districts. Through training, resources, and partnerships, it helps communities support small businesses, preserve local character, attract investment, and strengthen economic vitality. Its Main Street Approach promotes sustainable development through economic opportunity, community engagement, and historic preservation.

The Main Street America Accreditation Status is the highest tier designation at both state and national levels. This honor shows that Opelousas Main Street and the Opelousas Downtown Development District (ODD) have demonstrated exceptional performance across the following six evaluation areas:

• Community commitment to revitalization
• Inclusive leadership and organizational capacity
• Diversified funding and sustainable operations
• Strategy-driven programming
• Preservation-based economic development
• Measurable impact and results

Who helped Opelousas achieve Main Street America Accreditation?

The Main Street America Accreditation honor was a collaborative effort of the residents of Opelousas, business owners in the downtown area, and the community leaders at both Opelousas Main Street and the Opelousas Downtown Development District.

The Opelousas Main Street Board is composed of:

• Gretchen Erlingson, President
• Melani Lee-Lebouef, Main Street Manager
• Wanda Juneau, Treasurer 
• Jennifer Woodson, Secretary
• Robbie Tomlinson
• Vanessa Harris
• Candace Haynes
• Toni Effingger
• Robbie Sebatian
• Jerome Ford
• Sarah Branton
• Vera Nagy

The Opelousas Downtown Development District Board is composed of:

• Lena Charles, Chairwoman
• Don D’avy, Vice Chairman
• Stephen Daste, Secretary/Treasurer
• Sarah Branton
• Patrick Fontenot 
• Robert Hillard 
• Ogden Pitre

How does the Main Street America Accreditation help Opelousas and St. Landry Parish? 

One of the most important ways that the Main Street America Accreditation helps communities is by providing the community a stronger platform from which to pursue grants and other funding. This accreditation communicates to funding organizations that Opelousas is serious about downtown revitalization and that the leaders overseeing these revitalization efforts uphold ethical standards with a strong commitment to the health and growth of their community. 

TIF funding received through the Opelousas Downtown Development District makes it possible for Opelousas Main Street and the Opelousas Downtown Development District to continue impactful programs such as the BIG (Building Improvement Grant) Program. This summer, the program awarded $100,000 in matching grants to 12 local businesses and organizations for exterior building improvements. These investments help enhance the appearance of downtown Opelousas, encourage private investment, and support the continued revitalization and growth of the downtown district

St. Landry Economic Development Board Member Lena Charles explains how programs like the BIG Grant Program continue to be an important investment in the future of not only downtown Opelousas but for St. Landry Parish overall, “By partnering with our businesses and property owners we are preserving the character of our downtown areas, encouraging private investment, and creating a more vibrant place to live, work, and visit.”

Why should businesses and investors choose the communities of St. Landry Parish?

The Opelousas Main Street America Accreditation is just one example of how the communities of St. Landry Parish are working to create a sustainable economy while embracing and preserving their historical presence in Louisiana.

When business owners and investors partner with St. Landry Economic Development, they are partnering with a robust network of residents, businesses, and community leaders who are building and developing a vigorous economy as well as an engaging place to call home.

If you would like to learn more about the investment and business opportunities in St. Landry Parish, please contact St. Landry Economic Development today.