Operating a Commercial Revitalization Program with the Main Street Approach

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Operating a Commercial Revitalization Program
with the Main Street Approach

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Understanding Main Street

• What happened to Main Street?

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Vehicle-
aholics
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Then Came
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The Four Points of the Main Street Approach

• Design
• Organization
• Promotion
• Economic Restructuring
• Safety Cleanliness

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Urban Neighborhood Issues

• Multi-cultural issues
• More Image problems- Real and Perceived
• Fewer local volunteers

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Neighborhood Main Street InitiativeResults of
Demonstration

• 31 million in public and private investment
• 200 net new businesses
• 835 new jobs
• Improved Perceptions
• Sense of Pride and Place

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Why Main Street WorksThe 8 Guiding Principles

• Comprehensive
• Incremental
• Self-Help
• Partnerships

• Assets
• Quality
• Change
• Implementation

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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

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Main Street ApproachOrganization
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Four Point ApproachDESIGN

• 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

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Four Point ApproachDesign
Façade Improvements
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Wrong message
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Beautification Projects

• Public Art
• Involve community

• Community Buy-In
• Maintenance Plan

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Neighborhood Context
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Historic context
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Main Street ApproachSafety 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

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Safety and Cleanliness
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Main Street ApproachPromotion

• 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

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Special Events
Dia de los MuertosFruitvale Festival
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Main Street ApproachEconomic 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

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Niche Opportunities Constraints
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Four Point Approach Economic Restructuring

• Business/Property owner education
• Seminars
• One-on-ones
• Other types of Communication

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Urban Success Factors

• Funding
• Unified organization
• Dedicated, pro-active Manager
• Program acts as a Bridge
• Action Plan Tangible accomplishments