Creative Approaches to Main Street Programs and Placemaking Tracey Miller, Lead Development Manager, North Dakota Department of Commerce Melinda Padilla Lynch, Community Engagement Liaison, North Dakota Department of Commerce Emma Cook, Community Development Liaison, North Dakota Department of Commerce

1. CREATIVE APPROACHES TO MAIN STREET PROGRAMS
AND PLACEMAKING
North Dakota Department of Commerce

2. NORTH DAKOTA’S ECONOMIC
AND COMMUNITY
DEVELOPMENT EFFORTS
The North Dakota Department of
Commerce works to improve the
quality of life for North Dakota
citizens by leading efforts to attract,
retain and expand wealth.

3. Main Street Initiative (MSI)
North Dakota’s Main Street Initiative provides community leaders with
direct access to tools, technical assistance, and resources to capitalize
on their community’s strengths and make sound planning decisions.

4. HEALTHY,
VIBRANT
COMMUNITES
21ST
CENTURY
WORKFORCE
SMART,
EFFICIENT
INFRASTRUCTURE
ECONOMIC
DIVERSIFICATION

5. WHY BECOME A MAIN STREET COMMUNITY
Empower communities to
proactively plan their futures
Build local capacity to
improve quality of life for
current and future citizens
Receive extra benefits on
Commerce and Partner
Agency grant applications

6. Main Street Champion Community
o Sign up on website and complete community
profile survey
o Host a visit from the Community Development
team
o Pass a resolution of support
o Submit a community plan
o Economic development, strategic, comprehensive, etc.
o Sign up on website and complete
community profile survey
o Host a visit from the Community
Development team
Main Street Community

7. • Grant program supports
nonprofit organizations and local
governments​
• Comprehensive Planning​
• Economic Development/
Diversification Strategic Plan​
• If have completed a plan within
last five years can add
component planning
re: housing/downtown/etc.
• Third Round was awarded Spring
of 2022​
• To date ROI 25:1 (other dollars to
state and local funds)
Partners in Planning Grant Program

8. Vibrancy Grant Program
• Grant program supports art, events, and
other community development activities.
• Up to $1,500 to spark community
vibrancy
• 58 community events or projects
supported in the last 2 years
• Last round challenged applicants to
focus on winter placemaking efforts

9. Main Street ND Summit
www.mainstreetsummitnd.com

10. • 105 Main Street Communities
• 39 Champion Communities
• 58 Vibrancy Grant
• 26 Partners in Planning grants
Main Street Initiative Impact

11. STRATEGIC PARTNERSHIPS
• Network of 81 collaborating partners and over 4,500
community leaders.
• Legislative support to address community priorities
• Rural Revitalization and Redevelopment
• Rural Renewal Workforce Housing
• Rural Food Access
• Collaborative programming in coordination with state
and federal partners
• Strengthen ND - Launching Leadership
• AARP
• EDA Statewide Public Space Initiative Grant

12. STATEWIDE PUBLIC SPACE
INITIATIVE GRANT
The U.S. Economic Development Administration
awarded $1 million to the North Dakota Department of
Commerce through EDA’s Statewide Planning program.
In partnership with the U.S. Economic Development
Administration, the Statewide Public Space Initiative
Grant is designed to catalyze the planning necessary to
enhance the statewide attraction of businesses, the
promotion of economic activity, and the retention and
attraction of talented workers.
This will strengthen the economic resiliency across North
Dakota communities.

13. STATEWIDE PUBLIC SPACE INITIATIVE GRANT
Funded Through Economic Development Administration, EDA
RESILENCY WORKFORCE ECONOMIC GROWTH

14. PLACE-BASED ECONOMIC
DEVELOPMENT IS THE
PRACTICE OF USING
A COMMUNITY'S PUBLIC
AMENITIES TO
MAKE ECONOMIC PROGRESS

15. PLANNING
GRANTS
City of Minot
State Fairgrounds
Campground
$55,350
City of Mandan
Old High School area
$100,000
Walhalla, Cavalier,
Langdon, Pembina
Frostfire Regional Park
$100,000
City of Milnor
Downtown and
Children's Park
$50,000
City of West Fargo
Downtown
$100,000
City of Grand Forks
Children's Museum
$100,000

16. ARTIST ON MAIN STREET
TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE PROGRAM

17. Partnerships

18. MAIN STREET SUMMIT 2022
Youth in Workforce Placemaking Awards

19. Artist on Main Workshop Planning Grants Outcomes Placemaking for Rural
MAIN STREET SUMMIT 2022

20. Main Street Initiative
Contact Info
communitydevelopment@nd.gov

21. BEST PRACTICE EXCHANGE:
CREATIVE APPROACHES TO MAIN STREET PROGRAMS AND PLACEMAKING
What is your state doing as it relates to Community and
Economic Development?
How do your communities work with the state of community
and economic development?
Roundtable Engagement