Fostering Connection on Main Street
Join the conversation about how the decline in social connection is taking shape and how organizations like Main Street programs can strengthen trust, belonging, and connection within their communities.
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Quincy, Illinois © The District Quincy
Economic Vitality is at the core of a Main Street community. It involves taking a proactive, collaborative approach to building and growing a diverse economic base through smart new investment, cultivating a robust ecosystem for small businesses, focusing on the unique assets of your community, and fostering equity and inclusion to create an environment to help build local wealth.
3 Simple Next Steps
- Create an Inventory — Begin with creating an inventory of the buildings and businesses that you have. Consider collecting photos and conducting regular inventory updates and maintenance. See the section below to links to inventory resources, including Building Opportunities on Main Street (BOOMS) Tracker, Main Street America’s property inventory tool designed for local Main Street leaders.
- Survey Your Community — Survey business owners, residents, community members, and other stakeholders to establish a baseline understanding of your downtown’s strengths, needs, and growth opportunities.
- Establish Partnerships — Don’t do the work alone! Identify your partners from city officers and economic development agencies to coalition groups and others, and invite them to join your district’s revitalization efforts.
Dive Deeper
Click on the links below to dive deeper and learn more about Economic Vitality principles for Main Street communities.
- The Future of Retail: Creative Approaches to Place-Based Entrepreneurship, Main Street America
- Entrepreneurial Ecosystems and the Role of Commercial Districts, Main Street America
- Market Analysis for Community Transformation: A Practitioner’s Guide, Main Street America
- Community Engagement for Main Street Transformation, Main Street America
- Cities and Businesses of Color: A Guide to Economic Growth, Living Cities
- Community-Centered Economic Inclusion Playbook, Brookings Institute and LISC
- Building Opportunities on Main Street (BOOMS) Tracker, Main Street America
- Building and Business Inventory Template (.xlsx), Main Street America
- Browse Focus on the Four Points: Economic Vitality courses, Main Street America Academy
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Community Evaluation Framework
The Main Street America Community Evaluation Framework outlines what it means to be a highly successful Main Street program and sets a path for growth and development. Explore our full suite of resources designed to support local Main Street programs in aligning their efforts with the Main Street Approach and preparing for annual self-assessments for national designation.
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Milan, Michigan © Main Street America