On October 3, 2023, Main Street leaders from across the country convened in the theater of the Columbia Gorge Museum in Stevenson, Washington, for the first day of the Community Transformation Workshop, offered by the Main Street America Institute (MSAI). With coffee in hand, attendees gathered to ponder a very important question: "What do you want to learn from this workshop?”

Digging into Transformation Strategies was top of mind for many participants. Building community and consensus, understanding and leveraging data, and developing effective solutions were common responses as well. With learning objectives identified, Main Street America staff instructors launched into the curriculum. Over the course of the next two days, these topics served as steadfast anchors, emerging as probing questions, thoughtful theories, and energetic discourse.

Data + Observation = Winning Formula

Workshop participants were highly engaged in data analysis and transformation strategy work planning exercises, with many asking questions informed by critical analysis of the data generated through census records, economic indicators, and other sources. The big takeaway was that while helpful, numbers don’t tell the whole story. Digging into the data, asking questions, and pairing data reports with information collected through conversations with residents and community members will offer a fuller picture of a district’s challenges and opportunities for growth.

Place-Based Solutions in Action: Similar Problems, Different Solutions

Throughout the two-day workshop, instructors utilized case studies to demonstrate the importance of rooting Transformation Strategies in a Main Street district’s unique circumstances and individual needs. Walkabouts through downtown Stevenson and Vancouver offered an example of this approach in action: two innovative solutions developed in response to addressing the need for enhancing the visitor experience.

In Stevenson, a scenic byway serves as the district’s Main Street, with vehicle traffic moving quickly and in high volume, especially during the busy summer season. To enhance safety and increase accessibility, high visibility pedestrian crossing signs and communal signal flags were installed at crosswalks.

In Vancouver, the Pacific Northwest’s infamous rainy climate can sometimes deter residents and visitors alike from venturing outside of their homes and into local businesses. An umbrella-lending program with borrow/return stations at shops helps keep visitors covered while they shop downtown.

Although each downtown district is distinctly different in their location, size, and character, both Main Street programs are finding solutions rooted in similar principles and tailored to meet the needs of their communities.

Tangible Takeaways

After two days of deep dives into data, in-depth discussions, and district exploration—and some time to reflect as they traveled home—what were the biggest takeaways? Here are a few perspectives that participants shared:

“Engagement is a two-way street, and we need to leverage our market data to better engage with our residents. I'll be working with my board to share our local data and examine additional ways to stimulate active engagement with our district beyond surveys.” 
 
“Seeing two starkly different communities and their unique challenges was hugely beneficial in reinforcing that Transformation Strategies are truly unique for every place and that every place has to find their ‘why’ behind Main Street work. What works in one community isn't always going to be relevant for another. We have to use market-informed decision making for maximum success.” 

The Community Transformation Workshop is offered annually each fall. For more information about this educational opportunity, click here.

Franklin Bronze Plaques, a Main Street America Allied Member, is this quarter's Main Spotlight advertiser. For more information about the products and services they provide to Main Street organizations, click here >