Marshall Main Street’s leader addressed what she considered a lack of buy-in from the City of Marshall during a report to the city council at Tuesday night’s meeting.

Marshall Main Street Executive Director Rebecca Adams delivered a quarterly report to the council, which included a recap of the two-day visit made in June by Missouri Main Street and USDA Rural Development to develop a plan for improving the downtown area. During her presentation, Adams noted the lack of involvement from elected officials and other city leaders during their visit.

However, she stressed that community buy-in has been strong, and encouraged the city to increase support for the effort.

After the meeting, city administrator JD Kehrman told KMMO News it’s important that support for downtown redevelopment include more advocates than just city leadership.

Kehrman added that the city is willing to hear from business leaders on what ideas and tools they need to contribute to a more active downtown.

During her presentation, Adams noted the City of Marshall’s decision to not sponsor a hanging basket on the square or provide support for their maintenance. She requested the city increase the street department’s budget to cover the cost of their staff watering the baskets. Adams commended the volunteers and businesses who have sponsored and maintained the baskets.