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Killeen Today
By the People, for the People
Downtown Killeen Doubles Foot Traffic After Joining Main Street America
City dissolves advisory committee, establishes new Main Street Board to drive revitalization
Mar. 28, 2026 at 2:48am
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The city of Killeen, Texas has seen a more than 50% growth in downtown activity after dissolving their previous downtown advisory committee and joining the national Main Street America program. The new Main Street Board has overseen over $15 million in local business reinvestment, the opening of numerous mom-and-pop shops, the addition of public art and festivals, and a doubling of foot traffic in the downtown district.
Why it matters
Downtown Killeen had previously struggled with a high vacancy rate of over 70%, but the shift to the Main Street America model has helped breathe new life into the city's urban core. The program provides access to national grants and resources to support local businesses and preservation efforts, reducing the financial burden on taxpayers.
The details
The decision to dissolve the previous downtown advisory committee and fully enact the new Main Street Board was a unanimous vote by the city council. The Main Street Board focuses on four key areas: economic vitality, design, promotion, and organization. Kate Kitzito, the director of the Main Street Board, says the changes have led to a rapid pace of new business openings and a doubling of foot traffic in the downtown district.
- The Main Street America program was adopted in Killeen in 2026.
- The downtown advisory committee was dissolved in a recent city council meeting.
The players
Kate Kitzito
Director of the newly established Main Street Board in Killeen.
Mellisa Brown
An active community member in Killeen who was present when the city council voted to dissolve the previous downtown advisory committee.
Main Street America
A national organization that helps bring life back into the heart of cities across the country.
What they’re saying
“We've seen over 15 million dollars reinvested from local businesses. A ton of mom and pop shops have opened in the district, we've added public art, we've added festivals and we've seen foot traffic double in downtown since starting this process.”
— Kate Kitzito, Director of the Main Street Board
“This was a unanimous decision and I think a fairly easy one for the council to make. I think everyone on the council wants to see downtown thrive without having to invest all of our dollars into it.”
— Mellisa Brown, Active community member
What’s next
The Main Street Board plans to continue its focus on the four key areas of economic vitality, design, promotion, and organization to drive further revitalization of downtown Killeen.
The takeaway
Killeen's shift to the Main Street America model has proven successful in reviving its downtown, doubling foot traffic and sparking over $15 million in local business investment. The program's access to national grants and resources has allowed the city to revitalize its urban core without placing a heavy financial burden on taxpayers.
