Operating a Commercial Revitalization Program with the Main Street Approach

Understanding Main Street What happened to Main Street?

Vehicle - aholics

T hen Came

The “Four” Points of the Main Street Approach Design Organization Promotion Economic Restructuring Safety & Cleanliness

Urban Neighborhood Issues Multi-cultural issues More Image problems- Real and Perceived Fewer local volunteers

Neighborhood Main Street Initiative Results of Demonstration $31 million in public and private investment 200 net new businesses 835 new jobs Improved Perceptions Sense of Pride and Place

Why Main Street Works The 8 Guiding Principles Comprehensive Incremental Self-Help Partnerships Assets Quality Change Implementation

Stakeholders Business Owners/ Merchant Orgs Property owners Residents Consumers City Staff Other Public Agencies Non-Profit Orgs Civic Orgs Professionals Bankers Econ Dvlpmt organizations Schools Media Chamber of Commerce Artists Other

Main Street Approach Organization

Four Point Approach DESIGN Coordinate efforts to improve the physical appearance of individual businesses and the Main Street area as a whole Public Improvements –Streetscape Improvements –Cultural Arts Banners –Park improvements –Bus Shelters, etc. Historic Preservation –Building Restoration –Historic Markers Façade Improvements –Matching Grants –Design Assistance

Four Point Approach Design Façade Improvements

Wrong message

Beautification Projects Public Art Involve community Community Buy-In Maintenance Plan

Neighborhood Context

Historic context

Main Street Approach Safety and Cleanliness Enhance the Public Safety and Cleanliness of the Main Street area Safety –Constructive relationship with Police & with service agencies Cleanliness –Youth Ambassadors –Clean-up Events –Improved Trash Cans Education

Safety and Cleanliness

Main Street Approach Promotion Image Enhancement –Business Directory –Signs and Banners Retail Events –Sidewalk Sales –A Taste of ……… Special Events –Cultural Festivals Market the commercial district creating an identity that residents are proud of and that helps local businesses succeed

Special Events Dia de los Muertos Fruitvale Festival

Main Street Approach Economic Restructuring Market Analysis –Community Market Strategy –Customer Surveys, etc. Business Assistance –Group Workshops –One-on-one business assistance Business Attraction –Outreach Program –Space Locator Service Strengthen and broaden the economic base of the neighborhood commercial district

Niche Opportunities & Constraints

Business/Property owner education Seminars One-on-one’s Other types of Communication Four Point Approach Economic Restructuring

Urban Success Factors Funding Unified organization Dedicated, pro-active Manager Program acts as a “Bridge” Action Plan –Tangible accomplishments