Mount Vernon has a longtime history of participating in Texas Historical Commission's Preservation programs.

The City became a Texas Main Street City in 1992 and has remained in the program throughout the ensuing years. In addition, Mount Vernon achieved National Main Street status in the years 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, and 2008.

Mount Vernon continues to participate in Texas Historical Commission Main Street's commitment to communities. One example of this is the fact that multiple THC-led workshops have been held within the local community. Workshop content has included 'Downtown Business Development,' '4b Economic Development Sales Tax Law,' and 'e-Commerce' workshops.

In 2006, Mount Vernon applied to become a 'Visionaries in Preservation' City, another Texas Historical Commission program. Thus began a year-long preservation planning process that is ongoing. Around 60 local citizens participated in the planning sessions each month. The impact of this plan has been far reaching. Some of the outcomes include:

    ~Adoption of a Preservation Ordinance by City Council
    ~Implementation of a tax freeze for renovation to historic business properties
    ~Seating of the Landmark Commission
    ~Establishment of four historic districts
    ~Application to National Register Districts in process
    ~Historic Assets survey completed
    ~Implementation of facade grant through City of Mount Vernon

The State VIP staff has remained committed to Mount Vernon's progress in the program. They have facilitated several workshops, including "Communicating the Preservation Message" with Mary Salterelli, former City of Granbury Preservation Officer and Julianne Fletcher, former "Preservation Texas" president.