The Main Street Four-Point Approach is a common- sense, community- driven approach to revitalizing downtowns and traditional neighborhood community commercial districts. Initiated in 1980 by the National Trust for Historic Preservation, Main Street provides a framework for communities to address the full range of issues and challenges facing their traditional commercial districts. This four-point framework involves local work in the following areas:
Organization-creation of a well-run, sustainable non-profit organization that operates the Main Street program locally;
Promotion-promoting and marketing the Main Street district through special events and festivals, business promotions, and overall image development;
Design-improvement of the downtown's physical environment through historic preservation, building renovation, façade improvements, signage and awning improvements, public spaces, amenities and infrastructure;
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Economic Restructuring-economic development of the Main Street district, including identification of existing and potential market opportunities, business retention, business recruitment, creation or assembly of financial assistance tools and property development.
To implement a Main Street program, communities create a non-profit organization specifically for this purpose. The Main Street organization must involve both public and private sectors, including downtown interests and representatives from throughout the community. Local government must support downtown revitalization and the Main Street Approach both philosophically and financially. The private sector must also embrace the Main Street Approach and give its ideas, time expertise and resources to make a downtown revitalization program successful.
The non-profit Main Street organization is governed by a board of directors, supported by paid, professional staff and involves a variety of volunteers who implement projects and activities through committees that correspond to each of Main Street's Four Points.
Main Street Morrilton is striving to follow these 4 points. Our strategic plan is part of this effort.
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