Main Street Four-Point Approach™

As a unique economic development tool, the Main Street Four-Point Approach™ is the foundation for local initiatives to revitalize their districts by leveraging local assets – from cultural or architectural heritage, to local enterprises and community pride. This comprehensive strategy fosters incremental improvements in four broad areas:

Organization is the building of consensus and cooperation between the groups that play a role in the downtown. Many individuals and organizations in the community have a stake in the economic viability of the downtown.

Design involves improving the downtown's image by improving its physical appearance - not just the appearance of buildings, but also of street lights, window displays, parking areas, signs, sidewalks, streetscapes, landscaping, promotional materials and all other elements that convey a visual message about what the downtown is and what it has to offer.

Promotion involves marketing the downtown's unique characteristics to shoppers, investors, new businesses, tourists, and others. Effective promotion creates a positive image of the downtown through retail promotional activity and special events utilizing the downtown as a stage area of community activities.

Economic Restructuring involves strengthening the existing economic base of the downtown while diversifying it. Economic Restructuring activities include helping existing downtown businesses expand, recruiting new businesses, providing a balanced mix of businesses, converting unused space into productive property, and sharpening the competitiveness of downtown merchants.