Fueled by remote work and one of the greatest increases in the rate of new business formation, many Main Streets, especially in smaller communities, have experienced lower vacancy rates, increased tourism, and population growth. In fact, according to the US Census Bureau, most rural counties saw gains in population because of net domestic migration, with 481 growing by 2% or more between 2020 and 2022. Over the past decade — and especially the past few years — Main Streets have experienced tremendous growth. 

In 2015, Main Street America introduced a new framework to guide our work: transformation strategies. This has created a significant shift in our approach, centered on the recognition that, in a hyper competitive, consumer-driven economy, we needed to focus on strategies that highlight unique value propositions and competitive advantages. Almost a decade later, the Main Street Network has leveraged this concept in a number of ways, including leaning into food-centric economies, small-scale production, the arts, and the outdoor recreation industry. When we launched this approach, we focused on traditional metrics of success like the creation of new jobs, businesses, and tax revenue. But as some communities experienced growth in these areas, they began to struggle with unanticipated challenges, including escalating rent and property values, hyper- or over-tourism, and low vacancies resulting in declining pathways for emerging entrepreneurs.

These challenges play an important role in the implementation of transformation strategies and long-term community outcomes. As we examine the impact of our approach, we need to consider who is, and is not, benefiting from growth. How can our strategies support the needs of locals and create opportunities for all socioeconomic groups? 

Main Street Skowhegan provides a leading example of how local leaders can consider equity impacts while they plan and implement transformation strategies. As they invest in their outdoor recreation economy, they are building important, much needed infrastructure and investing in strong local support systems to help mitigate the potentially negative effects of their growth. By embedding these considerations into their transformation strategy, they will support wider success and prosperity across their community.

Transforming Downtown Skowhegan

Skowhegan, Maine, has a population of 8,854 people and, like many communities in the Northeast, a historical legacy of manufacturing. Over time, many of those jobs migrated outside of the U.S., and, as a result, the local poverty rate was about 2.5% higher than U.S. average in 2022.

To reimagine downtown Skowhegan’s future, Main Street Skowhegan developed two transformation strategies that leverage emerging industries in the area: outdoor recreation focused on the Kennebeck River Gorge and future Skowhegan River Park, and a food-based strategy focused on leveraging growth and entrepreneurial spinouts from locally-owned agriculture and food production. 

Much of their outdoor recreation strategy has focused on a key anchor initiative: the Skowhegan River Park. The project will include: 

• A whitewater play area with waves and rapids for kayaking, surfing, tubing, and stand-up paddle boarding 
• A four-season trail system for hiking, biking, cross-country skiing, and snowshoeing 
• Improved fish habitat and fishing waters 
• Stair access to the park from downtown, and an ADA-compliant ramp to the water’s edge 
• A two-mile riverfront promenade 
• A boathouse and events center 
• Parks for nature-based tourism 
• Opportunities for regional partnerships and packages 

According to Main Street Skowhegan’s President and CEO, Kristina Cannon, the project has secured $5.1 million in funding to match the town’s $1 million from a local Tax Incremental Financing project, which will go towards Phase 1, including the construction of the adjustable surf and kayak waves and improved access into the river. The bulk of this funding came from an American Rescue Plan Act grant from U.S. Economic Development Administration. They plan to begin construction in Spring 2025. 

The project has also already raised $2 million in funding (from US Department of Housing and Urban Development Community Project Funding supported by both of Maine’s senators) for Phase 2, which will include construction of the riverfront promenade (greenspace and boardwalk), viewing areas, and access into the river from the downtown area. The total price tag for this is $11 million.

Alongside this outdoor recreation focus, they are also building a robust food economy that leverages local agriculture and production alongside a healthy entrepreneurial ecosystem to support legacy business and foster the creation of new ones. In 2020, Main Street Skowhegan founded the Skowhegan Center for Entrepreneurship to support local entrepreneurs. More recently, they announced Kitchen 185, a shared food kitchen facility that will accelerate the development of their food transformation strategy by bringing together local producers and new restaurants. Main Street Skowhegan is also investing in agritourism, access to fresh produce, and youth engagement to further support their food economy.

It is also worth noting that Skowhegan was part of the original three Maine entrepreneurial ecosystem community pilots lead by the Maine Downtown Center, Maine Community Foundation, and Main Street America in 2019.

Creating Equitable Outdoor Experiences

Main Street Skowhegan’s outdoor recreation strategy has multiple equity considerations built into the plan. In the development of the Skowhegan River Park, accessibility was an important design consideration. The inclusion of an ADA-compliant ramp leading down to the river will ensure that everyone is able to access Skowhegan’s beautiful waterfront. 

Building a resilient entrepreneurial ecosystem that fosters opportunities for locals to launch businesses and scale or pivot existing ones is another crucial element of their equity focus. A rich outdoor recreation economy requires a mix of retail and service businesses to support hikers, rafters, and climbers as they explore Skowhegan and the region. By investing in their entrepreneurial ecosystem, Main Street Skowhegan helps the success and prosperity of these initiatives stay local.

Main Street Skowhegan uses community participation to secure input on both overall design and specific project components. They have held multiple town meeting votes for different elements of their transformation strategy implementation. During strategic planning in 2016, they engaged more than 500 members of the community to help develop the official Skowhegan Strategic Plan for Community Transformation.

One particularly innovative aspect of this equity-focused work on their outdoor recreation strategy has been the creation of the Skowhegan Outdoor Basecamp. Owned and operated by Main Street Skowhegan, the 3,000 sq. ft. facility features gathering spaces, free outdoor-focused educational programs, and an outdoor lending library.

The lending library is part of a free membership that is available to all Sommerset County residents. Through this program, members can borrow outdoor equipment, like mountain bikes, kayaks, skiing equipment, and climbing gear, for free. In addition, they recently launched a bike repair service. The library is managed by six AmeriCorp Vista volunteers through Main Street Skowhegan.

Refining Our Approach

Although many of these programs are relatively new, Skowhegan is already starting to see their impact. The Skowhegan Center for Entrepreneurship has helped support more than 50 local businesses and awarded more than $16,000 in grants. In 2023, Skowhegan Outdoors hosted 202 free outdoor programs and served 1,810 area residents. This year, they have 130 members who have participated in 137 outdoor gear item rentals.

As Main Streets receive greater public and private investments through our collective community efforts, it’s important to consider the impact of revitalization in a more meaningful way. Main Street Skowhegan is an example of the many ways we can encourage greater equity within our work, especially in the development and implementation of transformation strategies. Main Streets are for everyone — we need to be sure that the growth and investment stemming from our work benefits and uplifts everyone.