Herndon Pursues State Program to Revive Historic Downtown

Herndon officials voted to pursue state support for their historic downtown on Tuesday, October 27, aiming to bypass private development delays. The Town Council authorized staff to submit an application to Virginia Main Street, a program run by the Virginia Department of Housing and Community Development. This move allows the town to seek technical assistance, grants, and training for its commercial district without waiting for Comstock Companies, which holds a 5-acre parcel ceded in 2020.

If approved, Herndon would become the first locality in Fairfax County to join the initiative. It would also rank among the few Northern Virginia communities to participate in a program established in 1985. While the scheme has historically favored rural areas, Leesburg joined in late 2024, and Arlington’s Columbia Pike Partnership is considering entry. Herndon’s entry would place the program closest to the Washington, D.C. core.

Collin Okoniewski, the town’s economic development manager and acting deputy town manager, presented the proposal to the council on October 6. He stated that staff spent months evaluating options, including a business improvement district or a partnership similar to the Southeast Fairfax Development Corporation. The Main Street model emerged as the strongest choice because it targets pedestrian-oriented commercial areas. Okoniewski noted that Herndon’s downtown core is compact enough to meet eligibility standards despite lacking a literal main street.

The town’s commercial sector consists primarily of locally owned small businesses rather than national chains. Okoniewski emphasized this structure during his presentation, noting the absence of scattered bank or retail franchises. Staff previously secured backing from the Downtown Early Action Plan Committee, a group of residents and business owners, before bringing the proposal to the full council.

Marjorie Sloan, the Director of Finance, explained that immediate funding is required to launch a community-led independent nonprofit. This organization would oversee future initiatives, including marketing, events, and business support services. Sloan indicated that the town must build this entity from the ground up, as no existing group currently fulfills that role.

The initial financing is slated for the fiscal year 2028 budget, which will be proposed in early 2027 and take effect on July 1 of that year. The town intends to phase out its contributions over time, allowing the nonprofit to sustain itself through fundraising, sponsorships, and grants. Council members supported the plan after staff confirmed no upfront costs are required to join the state program.

Councilmember Cesar del Aguila urged the inclusion of all downtown stakeholders, noting that some businesses feel overlooked. Okoniewski agreed, stating the town will be intentional about involving representatives from different communities. He described the effort as a way to add life to the area while promoting tourism and business support.