The national Main Street program has helped over 1600 communities, large and small, through an integrated philosophy of revitalization that is:
Comprehensive. A single project cannot revitalize our downtown. It has to address all
the causal factors that led to the decline of central business districts.
Incremental. Our downtown did not deteriorate overnight and it can’t be rehabilitated
overnight. Successful small projects demonstrate that things are happening on Main
Street and create momentum.
Self Help. Only local leadership can sustain long term success by demonstrating and
fostering involvement and commitment on the part of our entire community to the
revitalization effort.
A Public/Private Partnership. Each must recognize the strengths and weaknesses of
each other and create mutual trust.
Identify and Capitalize on Existing Assets. Recognize the assets we have and use
them to create a foundation on which long term redevelopment can build on.
Quality. From storefront design to retail promotion to special events, quality will ensure
both initial public support and long term success of downtown redevelopment.
Directed at Change. Shifting public perceptions and habits to sustain the revitalization
process is essential to the success of a downtown renaissance.
Action Oriented. Frequent, visible change in our downtown will remind the community that revitalization is underway.