Foley Main Street celebrated a period of downtown growth and innovation during its bi-annual Idea Exchange on June 23, highlighting new funding, digital initiatives and the addition of 12 businesses since November 2025.

The meeting, led by Wes Abrams, brought together elected officials, board members, volunteers, supporters and local entrepreneurs to review recent accomplishments and discuss ongoing efforts to strengthen the downtown district.

Since Nov. 1, 2025, Foley Main Street has secured more than $44,000 in grants and program funding, a news release said. The organization received $14,000 for advertising, promoting downtown and expanding evening programming along with $10,000 for economic development education. It also was awarded $20,000 in spring 2026 to install decorative crosswalks designed to beautify downtown while improving safety for pedestrians and cyclists.

“A large portion of what we do is economic development — matching businesses to buildings and working closely with property owners and investors,” Abrams said in the release. “The growth we are seeing is a direct result of these partnerships and a shared vision for a vibrant, walkable downtown.”

The organization also introduced the Downtown Foley Digital Passport, a location-based mobile program that allows visitors to earn points while exploring downtown shops and restaurants. Participants can redeem those points for rewards. The launch comes as the organization's Third Thursdays events continue to draw record attendance.

Since its previous bi-annual meeting, Foley Main Street also has hosted four professional workshops to provide downtown business owners with skills and resources to help them compete in the marketplace.

Mayor Ralph Hellmich updated attendees on several city projects expected to further transform downtown, including construction of the new Foley Library, the transition to underground utilities to improve aesthetics and reliability and planned upgrades to the Dyas parking lot.

The meeting also welcomed 12 businesses that have joined the Foley Main Street district since November 2025: Baldwin County Resources LLC, Beyond Measure Therapy, Grounded- Foley, Half Shell Oyster House, Lillian’s Closet, Magnolia Salon, Melissa’s Kitchen, Nerd Out, Quality Alterations, Storyfuse, Waffles R Wild - The SpeakEasy and Wild Daisy Hair Salon.

More information about Foley Main Street is available at www.foleymainstreet.com.