The Main Street Approach to Downtown Revitalization

Main Street is a philosophy, a program and a proven comprehensive approach to downtown commercial district revitalization.  This approach has been implemented in over 1,800 cities and towns in 44 states across the nation with the help of the National Main Street Center and statewide downtown revitalization programs.  Main Street successfully integrates the practical management strategy with the physical improvement of buildings and public spaces, aggressive promotion and image building, and the economic development of the area. 

Committee Structure

•  Promotion Committee

Co-chairs - Tricia Massey and Dr. Clark Hill

Creates excitment downtown.  Street festivals, parades, retail events and image development campaigns are some of the ways Main Street encourages customer traffic.  Promotion involves marketing an enticing image to shoppers, investors and visitors and also positioning the downtown in the market place.

• Design Committee

Chairperson - Keith Ariail

Enhances the attractiveness of the central business district.  Historic building rehabilitation, street and alley clean-up, colorful banners, landscaping and lighting all improve the physical image of the downtown as a quality place to shop, work, walk, invest in and live.  Design improvements result in a reinvestment of public and private dollars to downtown.

• Economic Restructuring

Co-chairs - Chris Bray and Claudine Smith

Involves analyzing current market forces to develop long-term solutions.  Recruiting new businesses, creatively converting unused space for new uses and sharpening the competitiveness of Main Street's traditional merchants are examples of economic restructuring activities.

Click here for 2010 Downtown Promotional Events

In an attempt to give prospective business owners a greater understanding of Commerce and its current business climate, the Downtown Development Authority has put together a recruitment packet.  Please click on the link below:

Business Recruitment Packet