The downtown commercial district is the most visible indicator of a community’s economic and social health. Often the first place that people think of or want to see in a community, downtown can either be an asset or a liability in efforts to recruit new residents, new businesses, industry, and tourism to your community.

A sampling of who benefits from MainStreet revitalization includes:

MERCHANTS

• Greater opportunity for growth and expansion
• Expanded customer base
• Healthier business climate and less financial risk

PROPERTY OWNERS

• Stronger property values
• Stable, more dependable rental environment
• Increased occupancy rates
• Improved marketability of property

RESIDENTS

• Local access to goods and services
• Better quality of life
• Opportunities for volunteerism and leadership development
• Renewed pride in the community
• More local employment opportunities
• Stronger tax base to support community amenities (schools, parks, etc.)

CHAMBERS OF COMMERCE

• Potential new member businesses
• Healthier overall business climate
• Potential partnerships on joint projects

SCHOOLS

• Youth involvement in civic projects
• Use of MainStreet district as “classroom” for school projects
• Potential employment and business opportunities
• More places to go and activities for youth

PROFESSIONAL & SERVICE BUSINESSES

• Ready-made customer base of downtown employees
• Convenient location near government, banks, post office, etc.
• Nearby amenities for clients and staff

FINANCIAL INSTITUTIONS

• Expanded commercial customer base
• Improved public image and goodwill
• Opportunity to fulfill community reinvestment mandate

INDUSTRY

• Improved quality of life makes recruiting employees easier

LOCAL GOVERNMENT

• Increased sales tax and property tax base
• Protection of property values and infrastructure investment
• Reduced cost of services, such as police and fire protection
• Reduced pressure for sprawl development

ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT ORGANIZATIONS

• Stronger economic climate
• Enhanced base of businesses and jobs
• Dedicated effort to address small business/retail sector
• Opportunity for collaborative economic development activities

COMMUNITY PARTNER ORGANIZATIONS

• Improved quality of life in the community
• New membership potential among new residents
• Achievement of common goals
• Preservation of community history and heritage

BUSINESSES OUTSIDE THE MAINSTREET DISTRICT

• Increased visitor traffic to the community
• Improved municipal services throughout community
• Increased business from a healthier overall economy
• Additional amenities for employees and clients