Resources
The Main Street Four-Point Approach is a unique multi-faceted economic development tool that enables communities to revitalize their downtowns by leveraging local assets - from historic, cultural, and architectural resources to local enterprises and community pride. It is a comprehensive strategy that addresses the variety of issues and problems that challenge traditional commercial districts by focusing on the following areas:
Design - getting downtown into top physical shape and creating a safe, inviting environment through appropriate building renovations, streetscape and public space improvements, good signage, attractive window displays, and overall aesthetic qualities;
Economic Restructuring - strengthening the community's existing economic assets while diversifying its economic base through identification of current and potential market opportunities, business retention and recruitment, working with small business owners and entrepreneurs and development of financial assistance and training tools;
Promotion - creating a positive image to rekindle community pride and improve consumer and investor confidence in the commercial district through special events, marketing and branding; and
Organization - building partnerships among the various groups that have a stake in the downtown and creating a well-run, financially sustainable non-profit organization that operates the Main Street program locally.
