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Home: About
Main Street Our
Philosophy
Four Point Approach:
There are no quick fixes
for declining downtowns. True success comes from using
a comprehensive and incremental methodology such as
the Main Street approach. Four elements combine to create
this well-balanced program:
- Organization
- Involves building a framework that is well represented
and funded by local residents, merchants, property
owners, civic groups, bankers, public officials and
chambers of commerce.
- Promotions -
Involves marketing an enticing image to shoppers,
investors, residents and visitors through festivals,
retail events, public relations and image development.
- Economic Restructuring
- Involves analyzing current market forces to
develop long-term solutions, recruiting new businesses,
creatively converting unused space for new uses and
sharpening competitiveness of the merchants.
- Design
- Enhances the visual appearance, attractiveness
and traffic management of the business district through
historic building rehabilitations, street and alley
clean-ups, parking and traffic calming, colorful banners,
landscaping and lighting
The 8 Guiding Principles:
Experience in helping communities
bring their downtowns back to life has shown time and
time again that the Main Street Four Point Approach succeeds
only when combined with the following eight principles:
- Comprehensive:
A single project cannot revitalize a downtown or commercial
neighborhood. An ongoing series of initiatives is
vital to build community support and create lasting
progress.
- Incremental:
Small projects make a big difference. They demonstrate
that "things are happening" on Main Street
and hone the skills and confidence the program will
need to tackle more complex problems.
- Self-Help:
Although the National Main Street Center can provide
valuable direction and hands-on technical assistance,
only local leadership can initiate long-term success
by fostering and demonstrating community involvement
and commitment to the revitalization effort.
- Public/private
partnership: Every local Main Street program needs
the support and expertise of both the public and private
sectors. For an effective partnership, each must recognize
the strengths and weaknesses of the other.
Identifying and capitalizing on existing assets: One
of the National Main Street Center's key goals is
to help communities recognize and make the best use
of their unique offerings. Local assets provide the
solid foundation for a successful Main Street initiative.
- Quality:
From storefront design to promotional campaigns to
special events, quality must be the main goal.
- Change:
Changing community attitudes and habits is essential
to bring about a commercial district renaissance.
A carefully planned Main Street program will help
shift public perceptions and practices to support
and sustain the revitalization process.
- Action-oriented:
Frequent, visible changes in the look and activities
of the commercial district will reinforce the perception
of positive change. Small, but dramatic improvements
early in the process will remind the community that
the revitalization effort is under way.
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