Main Street Approach

South Dakota Main Street South Dakota Municipal League Eric Ambroson Planning and Development District III October 4, 2007

Overview
A Bit of History
Why are Main Streets Important?
Why Revitalize?
Who Benefits from Revitalization?
Facts of Life
Coordinating Programs
The Four Points and Eight Principals
Can it Work for South Dakota?

A Bit of History… Scotland, SD

…What Happened?

…Downtown’s Struggles

Why Are Main Streets Important?
Commercial districts are prominent employment centers.
The commercial district is a reflection of the community.
Main Street represents a significant portion of the community's tax base.
The traditional commercial district is an ideal location for independent businesses.
A historic commercial district is often a major tourist attraction.
Main Street provides an important civic forum, where members of the community can congregate .
The commercial district represents a huge public and private investment.

Why Revitalize?
Main Streets are the most visible indicator of community’s status.
Downtown is either an asset or liability in attracting businesses, people, and tourists.
Buildings reflect the community’s history and heritage.
Revitalization is hard work, but worth it.

Who Benefits from Revitalization?
Merchants
Property Owners
Financial Institutions
Professionals and Service Businesses
Chamber of Commerce
Residents
Local Government

Facts of Life
There is no magic bullet
There are no handouts
Most resources are local
Some change will be needed
You can't do it alone
Revitalization won't happen overnight
The process is never finished

How Can We Address These Issues?
A Statewide Main Street Coordinating Program is the Answer

Coordinating Programs in General
Provide participating local Main Street organizations with the training, tools, information, and networking they need to be successful.
Give local Main Street programs professional advice and guidance in the use of the proven Main Street Four-Point Approach™

The Four Points
Organization
Promotion
Design
Economic Restructuring

The Four Point “Wheel” Concept Design Promotion Organization Ec. Restructuring
Preservation
Grass Roots
Board Revitalization Process Volunteers Volunteers Volunteers Volunteers Program Director

Translate and tailor the Main Street approach according to the specific community.
Competitively select local Main Street districts and programs for participation.
Provide an appropriate scope of technical assistance.
Provide networking, advocacy, and encouragement to participating local programs.
Serve as a liaison with the National Trust Main Street Center.
General Statewide Program Functions

The Eight Principals Taught by Main Street
Incremental Process
Comprehensive Four Point Approach
Quality
Public and Private Partnership
Changing Attitudes
Focus on Existing Assets
Self-Help Program
Implementation Oriented

Reinvestment in Downtown

Growth in Downtown

Can This Work for South Dakota?
South Dakota Main Street Would:
Work closely with communities that are committed to following the Main Street Approach
Work on a more limited basis with communities that are interested in downtown revitalization but who might not want to develop a comprehensive Main Street program

Benefits of Using the Four Point Approach
South Dakota Towns Can:
Restore economic health and vitality to their downtowns.
Develop public-private partnerships to implement revitalization activities.
Better promote and market their downtowns
Improve their downtowns physically.

Some Numbers to Think About
The Average Statewide Coordinating Program:
Has an annual program budget is $542,152.
Employs 3.16 full-time and 1.71 part-time staff.
Serves an average of 28.74 local Main Street programs

Learning From the Past
To Be Successful, South Dakota Main Street Needs:
Adequate Funding
Adequate Staff Levels
To Provide a Complete Regimen of Introductory Services
Other Opportunities Include: Contract staff for specialized services and working with several communities in a group format.

How You Can Help
Provide a letter of support;
Make a five-year financial commitment;
Help us spread the message; and
Become actively involved in the organizing efforts.

Questions?
Thank You Very Much!

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Main Street Approach

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