help shape downtown's future Join the Main Street Board.
If you love Canton and want a hand in steering its growth, we'd love to hear from you. Applications for 2026 are now open.
The Canton Main Street Advisory Board is a working board — not a ceremonial one.
Our board members roll up their sleeves and drive the real work of downtown revitalization: setting policies, planning projects, raising funds, reviewing designs, and recruiting new businesses to the square. If you've ever wanted to see your fingerprints on Canton's future, this is how you do it.
What serving on the board actually looks like.
What the board actually does.
The Advisory Board sets the direction for everything Canton Main Street works on. It's where the big decisions get made — and where committed Cantonites get to make them together.
Set policies & plans
Help shape the annual work plan and long-term direction of the Main Street Program — the priorities, the projects, the focus areas.
Approve the budget
Review and approve the program's annual budget, ensuring every dollar makes a real impact for downtown businesses and residents.
Drive fundraising
Champion sponsorships, grants, and community fundraising efforts that keep our beloved events and programs alive year after year.
Review designs
Help review Certificates of Appropriateness for downtown façade and exterior changes — protecting the character of our historic district.
Support businesses
Be a champion for our downtown businesses and a connector for entrepreneurs interested in opening new shops on the square.
Recruit new investment
Help bring new businesses, new residents, and new energy to Historic Downtown Canton through your network and community presence.
Find where you fit best.
Every board member serves on at least one committee — small working groups that handle the day-to-day of each Main Street pillar. There's a place for every skill set.
Economic
For business owners, finance pros, and anyone passionate about driving local commerce and recruiting new investment downtown.
Design
For architects, designers, and history lovers who want to protect Canton's character through preservation, façade work, and beautification.
Promotion
For storytellers, marketers, and people who love hosting events. Help plan our festivals, market our downtown, and bring people together.
Organization
For the connectors and coordinators who keep things running — building partnerships, managing volunteers, and supporting all the other committees.
Three steps to get on the board.
Applications are reviewed by the Main Street Advisory Board, then by the Canton Economic Development Corporation Board of Directors, with final approval by City Council.
Download the Application
Grab the 2026 Advisory Board Application PDF — it's a quick two-pager.
Fill It Out & Return
Mail it to our office, drop it off in person at Old City Hall, or email a scanned copy to Grace Richardson.
We'll Be In Touch
Main Street Board, EDC, and City Council all review applications, and we'll let you know either way.
Have questions?
Not sure if you'd be a good fit, or want to talk through what serving looks like before you apply? Grace would love to chat.
The Main Street office is open Monday–Friday, 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM at Old City Hall, 290 E Tyler Street.
Meet the Team
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Jessica Henshaw
Board Chair & Member Since 2024
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Frank Markins
Vice Chair & Board Member Since 2024
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Kim & Tibiri Tenner
Kim- Secretary & Board Member Since 2024
Tibiri- Board Member Since 2025
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Kristi McLemore
Board Member Since 2024
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Tony Matukonis
Board Member Since 2024
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Jimmy Ybarbo
Board Member Since 2025
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Ashley Knowles
Board Member Since 2025
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Natalie Segovia-Williams
Board Member Since 2025
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Billy Williams
Board Member since 2026
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Glenn Parker
Board Member Since 2026
Got questions?
What is the time commitment?
Each board member must be able and willing to commit 4 to 10 hours per month, with additional time during major events like the Autumn Festival, 4th of July Parade, and Christmas Parade. Some months are lighter than others — it depends on what's on the calendar.
What projects has the board worked on?
The Canton Main Street Program has led a wide range of downtown improvements over the years, including:
Coordinating sidewalk renovations with ADA accessibility, period lampposts, trash receptacles, trees, and benches; lining downtown rooftops with festive seasonal banners and white lights; assisting building owners with exterior renovations through design assistance and our local Incentive Grant program.
The board also helps host signature events like the Autumn Festival, Sip N' Shops, the 4th of July Parade and Fireworks, the Christmas Parade, and a variety of free outdoor gatherings throughout the year. We also champion downtown by providing downtown marketing.
How do I join the board?
Click the "Download 2026 Application" button on this page to grab the application PDF. Once it's filled out, you can submit it three ways:
Email a scanned or photographed copy to grichardson@cantontex.com, drop it off in person at our office, or mail it to Canton Main Street, 290 E Tyler Street, Canton, TX 75103.
Where and when are the meetings held?
Board meetings are held the first Tuesday of every month at 12:00 PM at the Main Street office in Old City Hall — 290 E Tyler Street, Canton, TX. Committee meetings are scheduled at various times as needed throughout the month.