A focus on Design supports a community’s transformation by enhancing the physical elements of downtown while capitalizing on the unique assets that set the commercial district apart.  Main Streets enhance their appeal to residents and visitors alike with attention to public space through the creation of pedestrian friendly streets, inclusion of public art in unexpected areas, visual merchandising, adaptive reuse of older and historic buildings, more efficiently-designed buildings, transit orientated development, and much more.

Revitalizing a downtown requires focusing on the underlying Economic Vitality of the district.  This work is rooted in a commitment to making the most of a community’s unique sense of place and existing historic assets, harnessing local economic opportunity and creating a supportive business environment for small business owners and the growing scores of entrepreneurs, innovators and localists alike.  Supporting downtown housing is also a key element of building Economic Vitality.

A strong organizational foundation is key for a sustainable Main Street revitalization effort.  This can take many forms, from a standalone non-profit organization, to a special assessment district, to a program housed in a municipality or existing community development entity.  Regardless of the organizational type, the focus is on ensuring that all organizational resources (partners, funding, volunteers, etc.) are mobilized to effectively implement the Community Transformative Strategies.

Promoting Main Street takes many forms, but the ultimate goal is to position the downtown or commercial neighborhood as the center of the community and the hub of economic activity, while creating a positive image that showcases a community’s unique characteristics. We want to incorporate small town feel along with local experiences. This can be done through highlighting cultural traditions, celebrating and preserving important architecture and history, encouraging local businesses to market cooperatively, offering coordinated specials and sales, support buy-local initiatives and hosting special events aimed at changing perceptions of the neighborhood and communicating to residents, investors, businesses, and property-owners that this place is special.