Main Street Disaster and Resilience Toolkit
This publication is designed to help Main Streets and commercial district organizations better prepare for and respond to more frequent and severe disasters.
Marion, IA © Uptown Marion
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Fostering a culture of health, inclusion, and innovation on Main Street
Welcome to the inaugural edition of State of Main, the annual publication of Main Street America! Across the country, the 44 Coordinating Programs and more than 1,000 Accredited and Affiliate programs that collectively make up Main Street America are transforming historic downtowns and commercial districts, bringing new life to the places we call home.
We’ve captured that vitality and forward momentum in the pages that follow, and highlighted some critical issues we see playing an even more important role in our work going forward.
Articles
Healthy Places: How Designing for Health & Wellbeing Supports Community Prosperity
By Cathy Costakis, Consultant to the Montana Department of Public Health and Human Services’ Nutrition and Physical Activity program, and Tash Wisemiller, Coordinator for the Montana Main Street Program
Cathy Costakis and Tash Wisemiller take a close look at the connection between the wellbeing of residents and the vitality of communities and explore the wide range of design elements and tools available that will lead to more active, accessible and connected Main Streets.
Building Inclusive Communities on Main Street
By Norma Ramirez de Miess, Vice President of Field Services, Downtowns, and Hannah White, Chief Impact Officer
Norma Ramirez de Miess and Hannah White of Main Street America delve into the important role that Main Street America programs have to play in building inclusive communities.
Cultivating Effective Leadership to Transform Communities
By Norma Ramirez de Miess, Vice President of Field Services, Downtowns, and Rachel Bowdon, Senior Director of Marketing and Communications
Norma Ramirez de Miess and Rachel Bowdon of Main Street America outline what it takes to lead Main Street effectively and turn to the Main Street America Network for an insightful Q&A.
The Comeback: Manufacturers Finding New Homes along Main Street
By Matt Wagner, Ph.D., Chief Program Officer
Across the country, independent makers and manufacturers are helping to fuel a renaissance in downtowns and commercial districts, harnessing renewed interest in locally produced materials and experiential shopping. Matt Wagner, Ph.D., explores how this relatively new group of innovators is carving out an important place in the local Main Street economy.
Related Resources
Activate the First 16 Feet
This webinar will help you focus on the area where shared human experiences are most felt and learn small interventions to unlock the energy of the First 16 Feet in your district.
Nature-Based Placemaking
Nature-Based Placemaking uses a community's outdoor recreational assets as a foundation for community transformation.
Franklin, Louisiana © Franklin Main Street
Determining Main Street Boundaries
Use this resource to guide your efforts to established or re-draw the boundaries of your downtown or neighborhood commercial district. Published by Texas Main Street Program.
Older, Smaller, Better
This study, from the Preservation Green Lab at the National Trust for Historic Preservation, demonstrates the unique and valuable role that older, smaller buildings play in the development of sustainable cities.
AARP Bike Audit
Evaluate the safety and usability of bike networks in your Main Street commercial district. Published by AARP.
Wayfinding Sign System Guide
This guide from Virginia Main Street explores the importance of wayfinding, the components of a custom wayfinding plan, design considerations, and implementation.
Sterling, Illinois. © Sterling Main Street
Creating Outdoor Spaces in Colder Months
Watch this webinar to learn how you can create welcoming and comfortable third spaces and gathering places outdoors during winter cold months.
Construction Mitigation Plan
Construction can be very disruptive for downtown businesses. Use this sample mitigation plan to help you develop your own strategy to assist your downtown businesses during a construction project. Published by Cumberland Main Street.
Downtown Design Guide
This guide from Main Street Alabama explores how design relates to urban planning, construction, storefronts, existing assets, public space, art, and building codes.
Anti-Racism Resources
As community organizations, it is important for Main Streets to stand against racism and bigotry. This toolkit is designed to give you an understanding of the history of our country, the key tenants of allyship, and the ways that your organization can help reduce injustice.
Richmond, CA © Ellen Gailing
Commercial District Design: Open Streets and Design
In this AARP guide, learn how open streets projects and other design elements can improve downtown design and create vibrant and sustainable communities.
Commercial District Design: Public Amenities
In this AARP guide, learn how public amenities can help build richer, more connected, and more sustainable communities.
Commercial District Design: Parklets and Pedlets
In this AARP guide, learn how small parklets and pedlets can provide vibrant gathering spaces and improve sense of place in your downtown.
Commercial District Design: Trails and Parks
In this AARP guide, learn how access to trails and parks can enhance downtown commercial district revitalization efforts.
State of Main: Winter 2019
With articles written by industry experts on topics ranging from the transformative placemaking to inclusive entrepreneurship, the publication is brimming with tools, tips, and strategies that will help you lead a results-oriented revitalization effort.
Navigating Main Streets as Places
Guidance on how to evaluate streets, balance transportation needs, and build partnerships with other leaders.
Activating the Main Street Approach through Placemaking
Learn how placemaking principles can be utilized as an implementation strategy of local Main Street efforts to empower community members and create more action-oriented programs
Metuchen, NJ © Lauren Beischer
Designing for Health & Wellbeing Supports Community Prosperity
A look at the connection between the wellbeing of residents and the vitality of communities and explore the wide range of design elements and tools available that will lead to more active, accessible and connected Main Streets. Published in State of Main.
Best Parking Practices for Your Main Street
Parking planning is an important part of creating welcoming and usable public spaces. This webinar provides a primer on the best practices you should consider as you plan the parking strategy for your downtown or neighborhood commercial district.
Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) Standards
Use these accessibility standards to guide you as you make accessibility upgrades in your community. Published by US Access Board.
Chicago, Illinois © Max Bender
Building a Path toward Clean Water and Vibrant Communities
Effective stormwater management is an important element of many streetscaping plans to reduce pollution of your drinking water and other community benefits. Published in Main Street Now Journal.
Green Streets in Iowa
Learn about Iowa’s exciting sustainability initiative and the ways two small towns are becoming more green. Published in Main Street Now Journal.
