Main Street International

The Basics of Main Street

Main Street is a program of commercial center revitalization built on heritage conservation. The National Main Street Center and Heritage Strategies International are bringing Main StreetTM to the rest of the world. This cultural heritage-based framework for economic development has a 40-year history of success in the United States and has proven to be the most cost-effective approach to community-led revitalization in the country. Main Street has been used by more than 2,000 communities of every size. Since 1980, those towns and cities have seen $70.25 billion reinvested, 132,092 businesses started, 584,422 jobs created, and 268,053 buildings rehabilitated. Main Street works, and Heritage Strategies International wants to help it work for you.

The Main Street Approach

Main Street communities follow a four point approach:

ECONOMIC VITALITY

focuses on capital, incentives, and other economic and financial tools to assist new and existing businesses, catalyze property development, and create a supportive environment for entrepreneurs and innovators that drive local economies.

DESIGN

supports a community’s transformation by enhancing the physical and visual assets that set the commercial district apart.

PROMOTION

positions the center city or commercial district as the center of the community and hub of economic activity, while creating a positive image that showcases a community’s unique characteristics.

ORGANIZATION

involves creating a strong foundation for a sustainable revitalization effort, including cultivating partnerships, community involvement, and resources for the district.