New Main Street Montgomery Leader Aims to Revitalize Downtown

Ashley Jernigan takes on role as first executive director of local business partnership.

Apr. 13, 2026 at 10:13am

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A carefully arranged still life of premium business objects, including a polished brass paperweight, a sleek glass trophy, and a modern desk organizer, symbolizing the tools and resources being mobilized to revitalize downtown Montgomery.A new leader aims to breathe new life into Montgomery's struggling downtown through strategic investments and community partnerships.Montgomery Today

Main Street Montgomery, a partnership between local businesspeople focused on investing in and revitalizing downtown Montgomery, has hired Ashley Jernigan as its first executive director. Jernigan, an experienced economic development leader, will work with business owners, property owners, residents, and community partners to drive growth and activity within the district.

Why it matters

Downtown Montgomery has struggled with high vacancy rates and lack of foot traffic in recent years, as many residents and businesses have moved to the suburbs. The Main Street Montgomery partnership aims to reverse this trend by coordinating investments, events, and other initiatives to make the city center a more vibrant and attractive destination.

The details

As executive director, Jernigan will be responsible for developing and implementing strategies to bring more people, businesses, and economic activity to downtown Montgomery. This will likely involve working with local stakeholders to organize community events, improve the streetscape and public spaces, attract new retail and dining options, and market the area to potential investors and visitors.

  • Main Street Montgomery was established in 2024 by a group of local business leaders.
  • Jernigan was hired as the organization's first executive director in April 2026.

The players

Main Street Montgomery

A partnership between local businesspeople whose aim is to 'get people downtown' by investing in the area.

Ashley Jernigan

A Montgomery-based leader with more than 15 years of experience in economic development, who was hired as the first executive director of Main Street Montgomery in 2026.

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What they’re saying

“I'm excited to work collaboratively with business owners, property owners, residents, and community partners to drive growth within the district.”

— Ashley Jernigan, Executive Director, Main Street Montgomery

What’s next

Jernigan and the Main Street Montgomery team will begin implementing their revitalization plans in the coming months, with the goal of attracting new businesses, hosting community events, and making physical improvements to the downtown area.

The takeaway

The hiring of an experienced economic development leader to head up the Main Street Montgomery initiative signals a renewed commitment to revitalizing the city's downtown core and making it a more vibrant and attractive destination for residents and visitors alike.