The Ohio Main Street Program

Publication Date: May 2003

Publisher: Sagamore Institute for Policy Research

Author(s): April Kaplan

Research Area: Government; Social conditions

Type: Report

Coverage: Ohio

Abstract:

The National Main Street Center began in 1980. The purpose of a Main Street program is to encourage and support the revitalization of downtowns as centers of community activity and commerce. A strong viable organization provides the stability necessary to build and maintain a long term effort. Developing an organized management program that is well funded, structured and committed to the future is the only way to make revitalization last.

The local Main Street program must involve groups and individuals from throughout the community in order to be successful. Downtown revitalization requires the cooperation and commitment of a broad-based coalition of businesses, civic groups, local governments, financial institutions and consumers. Some of the potential members are merchants, property owners, chamber of commerce, financial institutions, civic clubs, historic societies and historic preservation organizations, consumers, city and county government, regional planning commissions and council of government, schools, and the media. It also involves mobilizing a large number of volunteers to implement activities, but it must have the support and involvement of both the public and private sectors.