The document discusses the importance of revitalizing main streets in South Dakota, highlighting their role as commercial centers and community reflections. It outlines the benefits of revitalization for various stakeholders and presents a coordinated approach using the four-point methodology to support local main street organizations. Additionally, it emphasizes the need for funding, staffing, and community involvement to achieve successful revitalization initiatives.

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

2. 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?

3. A Bit of History… Scotland, SD

4. …What Happened?

5. …Downtown’s Struggles

6. 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.

7. 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.

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

9. 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

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

11. 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™

12. The Four Points Organization Promotion Design Economic Restructuring

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

14. 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

15. 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

16. Reinvestment in Downtown

17. Growth in Downtown

18. 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

19. 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.

20. 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

21. 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.

22. 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.

23. Questions? Thank You Very Much!