Downtown Johnson City
A walkable, historic district shaped by generations of locals who’ve built businesses, raised families, and given this place its character. Connect Downtown Johnson City leads the effort to strengthen and grow downtown while protecting the spirit that makes it worth investing in—steady progress, rooted in who we are.
Downtown Johnson City Stats
275
Businesses
647048
Annual Visitors
3300000
Unique Visits
86
Minutes per Visit
About Downtown Johnson City
Downtown Johnson City is a growing, active district shaped by small businesses, steady foot traffic, and a community that keeps choosing local. The numbers tell the story.
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Business Community
More than 275 businesses operate in the downtown district—shops, restaurants, services, studios, and professional offices that form the backbone of our local economy.
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Visitor Activity
Over the last 12 months, Downtown Johnson City welcomed 572,400+ visitors with 3.3m visits, marking a 10% increase since 2022. People aren’t just stopping in—they’re staying. Visitors spend an average of 86 minutes exploring downtown, supporting local shops, dining, and enjoying everything the district offers.
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A District on the Rise
The continued growth in activity, investment, and small-business development shows a district that’s gaining momentum year after year. Downtown isn’t just busy—it’s becoming a destination. The City of Johnson City has invested millions into flood mitigation and green spaces since 2010. Most recently they completed a $33m revitalization of the West Walnut Street District converting industrial zones into modern mixed-use. Johnson City Development Authority has distributed thousands of dollars in Facade projects and multiple TIF projects. The announcement of the $66m renovation of Downtown Centre and the John Sevier Building will be a boon to Downtown's continued success.
Main Street Program Stats
Events
Sweetsie Trail
Main Street Days: St. Paddy's
Brunch & Bouquets
Fridays After Five
Sidewalk Sale
Main Street Days
Acoustic Autumn
Candyland Christmas
Support for Community-Led Events
105
Downtown Events
400
Vendors + Small Businesses Participating
11000
Main Street Days: St. Paddy's Attendees
10500
Main Street Days Attendees
11400
Fridays After 5 Attendees
34000
Candyland Christmas Attendees
Connect Downtown JC's team and board hosts several annual events for fundraising for Business Support and various events to promote and support the Downtown Johnson City community and merchants. In addition to the marquee events, Connect Downtown JC supports hundreds of events from community-led partners through organization, promotion, and providing connections for City Resources necessary to run their events.
Business Support
Micro-Grants
Online Resources
New Business Support
SB Support Funding
Marquee Events
275
Businesses Supported
20
New Businesses
5
Business Expansions
34000
Micro-Grants
45000
Small Business Support Funding
152
Social Media Collaborations
Connect Downtown JC's primary mission and vision is a healthy and thriving Downtown Johnson City! One of our primary goals with any event, sponsorship, and partnership is to support as many businesses as possible while making long-term investments into the Downtown area. We know that the primary driver and support for Downtown Johnson City comes from Small Businesses and their supporters. That is why everything we do is centered around supporting the backbone of our community, small business.
District Support
Quarterly Meetings w/ City
Building Inventory
Business Directory
District Online Map
Multi-modal Support
Paint the Vacant Art Installs
Partnerships with JCPA and Visitor Center and other organizations
275
Businesses Mapped in Online Map & Directory
300000
Downtown Improvement Grants
30
New Bike Racks Installed
498
Parcels inventoried with BOOMS Tracker
52000
Facade Grants
7
Paint the Vacants
In order to create a thriving Downtown, Connect Downtown partners with JCDA, JCPA, Visitor Center, and various organizations to create unique place-making opportunities and support the district as a whole. By supporting various grant opportunities, businesses and property owners can make critical investments into their spaces. By creating more cohesive district resources and tools, Downtown Johnson City promotes the district as whole and supports each individual.
CONNECT DOWNTOWN JOHNSON CITY, INC.
About:
Connect Downtown Johnson City is a registered 501(c)(3) non-profit organization who serves as the Advisory Board for the Main Street Program of downtown Johnson City. By being a Tennessee Main Street Community and a National Main Street accredited program, there are many resources for small business owners, projects and public improvements for the downtown district.
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The Main Street Program for downtown Johnson City hosts several events throughout the year to create a vibrant and activated district. These events include: Fridays After 5, Sip Shop & Strolls, Oktoberfest, Acoustic Autumns, Candy Land Christmas and much more!
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This program wouldn't be successful without a supportive community, volunteers, and generous sponsors. If you are interested in sponsoring or even serving as an event or committee volunteer, please email info@downtownjctn.com
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Our Mission:
To foster a thriving downtown ecosystem that is desirable for residents, businesses, and visitors by forging partnerships and facilitating community connections.
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Our Vision:
The Connect Downtown Johnson City Board of Directors and its committees, strive to:
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Foster a thriving and diverse storefront economy that supports Downtown Johnson City business community, excites visitors, and meets the needs of residents
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Cultivate a lively and engaging Downtown atmosphere that identifies Downtown Johnson City as a destination for locals and tourists alike
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Create a truly welcoming environment that enhances the experience of Downtown Johnson City’s visitors and residents
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Increase CDJC’s organizational effectiveness and ability to deliver on its mission.
​Co-working and meeting space generously provided by:
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Our Board
Lora Eshbach
Board Chair
Cortney Stewart
Board Member
Josh Russle-Fritch
Board Member
Andrew McElroy
Board Vice Chair
Cody Hubbard
Board Member
Mckenzie
Ex-officio
George Cross
Board Treasurer
Brooke Tittle
Board Member
Alec Castro
Ex-officio
David Nelson
Board Member
James Tinch
Board Member
Interested in partnering with Connect Downtown Johnson City?
P.O. Box 1851
Johnson City, TN 37604
