The Foundation of Main Street
The Four Point Approach
The Main Street Four-Point Approach®
As a unique economic development tool, the Main Street Four-Point Approach® is the foundation for local initiatives to revitalize their districts by leveraging local assets—from cultural or architectural heritage to local enterprises and community pride.
The four points of the Main Street approach work together to build a sustainable and complete community revitalization effort.
Organization
Organization establishes consensus and cooperation by building partnerships among the various groups that have a stake in the business improvement district. By getting everyone working toward the same goal, we can provide effective, ongoing management and advocacy for the our downtown. Through volunteer recruitment and collaboration with partners representing a broad cross section of the community, our program can incorporate a wide range of perspectives into its efforts. A governing board of directors and standing committees make up the fundamental organizational structure of our program. Volunteers are coordinated and supported by a paid program director. This structure not only divides the workload and clearly delineates responsibilities, but also builds consensus and cooperation among the various stakeholders.
Promotion
Promotion takes many forms, but the goal is to create a positive image that will rekindle community pride and improve consumer and investor confidence in our business improvement district. Advertising, retail promotions, special events, and marketing campaigns help sell the image and promise of Main Street to the community and surrounding region. Promotions communicate our business improvement district’s unique characteristics, business establishments, and activities to shoppers, investors, potential business and property owners, and visitors.
Design
Design means getting Main Street into top physical shape and creating a safe, inviting environment for shoppers, workers, and visitors. It takes advantage of the visual opportunities inherent in a commercial district by directing attention to all of its physical elements: public and private buildings, storefronts, signs, public spaces, parking areas, street furniture, public art, landscaping, merchandising, window displays, and promotional materials. An appealing atmosphere, created through attention to all of these visual elements, conveys a positive message about the business improvement district and what it has to offer. Design activities also include instilling good maintenance practices in the business improvement district, enhancing the district’s physical appearance through the rehabilitation of historic buildings, encouraging appropriate new construction, developing sensitive design management systems, educating business and property owners about design quality, and long-term planning.
Economic Restructuring
Economic restructuring strengthens our community’s existing economic assets while diversifying its economic base. This is accomplished by retaining and expanding successful businesses to provide a balanced commercial mix, sharpening the competitiveness and merchandising skills of business owners, and attracting new businesses that the market can support. Converting unused or underused commercial space into economically productive property also helps boost the profitability of the district. The goal is to build a commercial district that responds to the needs of today’s consumers.
(National Trust for Historical Preservation - Main Street)