1. TO: Kathy Chrobak, Mayor of La Porte
FROM: David Heinold, Planning Intern
DATE: Friday, June 10, 2011
SUBJECT: Main Street Program
The purpose of this memo is to explain the importance of why the Main Street Program could
help revitalize all facets of downtown La Porte. Over the past sixty years the market has
changed, people have moved into the suburbs during postwar time with “large shopping malls”
drawing business away from the central core of the city. Most people did not see downtown as a
destination, or “to place”.
Benefits
• A voice for issues
• Largest network of commercial district professionals
• Restore a sense of place in the heart of the community
• Maintain the historic structure of important buildings
• Strengthen businesses as a commercial core downtown
• Control “sprawl-type development and cookie cutter architecture”
• Build an economic engine (create jobs, expand wealth, build tax base)
Things to do
• Form a working group (obtain the support of all stakeholders)
• Analyze the district from the viewpoint of a first-time visitor
• Hold a community meeting to generate broad based local support and interest
• Find out how to obtain designation (contact Indiana Main Street coordinating program)
• Network with successful programs in other communities
• Spread the word
If yes, then
• Apply for designation
• Get informed (Handbook/financing ~ $45,000 to $100,000 annually, various funding)
• Incorporate the organization (non-profit?)
• Recruit board members and develop committees
• Visit another community (with group, any comparisons?)
• Tap into the network (membership ~ $250 annually)
• Draft a budget (budget plans/decide what is affordable)
• Develop job descriptions
• Train/inform participants (know the community well)
• Develop fundraising plan (financial support/stakeholders as potential supporters)
• Develop a work plan (vision/mission statement/set of goals/easy projects first)
• Schedule regular meetings with board members and committees (also stakeholders)
• Recruit volunteers (key projects, events, and activities/keep a volunteer file)
• Promote the program (public relations)

2. • Inventory (everything)
• Collect information (build a clearinghouse of resources and materials)
These are important steps in building a strong foundation for the revitalization of a downtown
commercial district. If there are any questions or something is unclear do not hesitate to ask.