Main Street Program
Susan Kempf
(360) 725-4056

 
Downtown Revitalization
 

Since 1984, the Washington State Main Street Program has been helping communities revitalize the economy, appearance, and image of their downtown commercial districts using the successful Main Street Approach™. Main Street is a comprehensive, incremental approach to revitalization built around a community's unique heritage and attributes. Using local resources and initiative, the state program helps communities develop their own strategies to stimulate long term economic growth and pride in the heart of the community- downtown. 

 
What's New
 
 
Main Street Approach™

Many of Washington's communities, like thousands of communities across the country, are using the National Main Street Center's Main Street Approach™ effectively to address the complex and changing issues facing the downtown business environment. The Main Street Approach provides a flexible framework that puts the tradtional assets of downtown, such as unique architecture and locally-owned businesses to work as a catalyst for economic growth and community pride. Communities just starting downtown revitalization as well as those with more experience are creating lasting economic impact with the Main Street Approach. 

The four points of the Main Street approach work together to build a sustainable and complete community revitalization effort.

Organization builds consensus and cooperation between the many individuals and groups who have a role in the revitalization process. 

Promotion creates excitement. It reinforces and markets a positive image to customers, potential investors, new businesses, local citizens, and visitors based on the unique attributes of a downtown district.

Design enhances the unique visual qualities of downtown by addressing elements that create an appealing physical environment.

Economic Restructuring strengthens downtown’s existing economic assets while finding ways to fully develop its market potential.

 
Services
The WMSP provides access to information, help getting focused, and community support and guidance to individuals and organizations interested in downtown revitalization. It also serves as a general clearinghouse for the latest tools and techniques in downtown development.  General information, project development assistance information, and audio-visual and resource materials area also available.

The WMSP is a partner, but true revitalization success is built squarely on local commitment, initiative, and follow-through.

Options for Assistance:  Recognizing that Washington communities interested in revitalization have a variety of situations and needs, the WMSP offers a tiered approach  to participation summaried below.

Downtown Revitalization Tier System Network
  • The Downtown Affiliate Level is ideal for communities just beginning to explore downtown revitalization, those that do not wish to become a Start-up or designated Main Street community, or wish to use the Main Street Approach in a non-traditional setting. Communities of all sizes are eligible to participate as an Affiliate and may join at anytime by completing a brief application. 
  • The Start-up Level is for communities exploring the possibility of future Main Street designation. Services at this level help communities or neighborhood commercial districts build an appropriate organization and funding base to start a comprehensive downtown program, as well as help prepare them for the Main Street application process.
  • The Main Street Designation Level: For communities that have a population of less than 100,000, or for neighborhood commercial districts, with a high degree of commitment and readiness towards using the Main Street Approach in a traditional downtown setting.
 
Washington's Main Street Communities

If you're interested in starting a downtown reviltalization effort in your community, one of the best ways to get started is to contact an active Washington Main Street™ community and ask them about their program and the lessons they've learned. You may even want to set up a visit to a nearby or geographically similar community.

Did you know... certified Main Street™ communities are a great place to do business in a unique and attractive setting. These communities are providing comprehensive management through professional staff and a nonprofit board of directors. Local Main Street staff are ready to provide entrepreneurs and investors with information on incentives, space availability, and local regulations. Regular promotion and marketing of the Main Street district also brings positive exposure for downtown businesses.

 
Additional Information

Publications

Main Street Tax Credit Incentive Program

 
 
 
 
 
2009 Copyrighted Material International Trade and Economic Development, Department of Commerce
128 10th Avenue SW, Olympia WA 98504-2525 (360) 725-4100 more contact info