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  National Main Street Program >> click here for Pinedale Main Street Program The Main Street Program was begun through the National Trust for Historic Preservation, but is organized on the State level. In Wyoming, the Main Street Program is through the Wyoming Business Council. The Wyoming Main Street Program provides financial and technical services to the local Main Street Programs. The Main Street Program four point approach is the most successful economic development strategy in the United States. The Four point approach is based upon the implementation of four functional components as the basis of a solid downtown revitalization program. These four components are: Design: The improvement and enhancement of the physical environment of the central business district. Promotion: The creation and implementation of a unified and consistent plan for the marketing of the downtown area including the general image of the central business district, the calendar of special events that brings people downtown and the retail promotions schedule that encourages people to shop downtown. Organization: The development of a strong, well-trained downtown corporate entity, preferably an independent, non-profit organization, whose sole responsibility is the enhancement of the communication, volunteer development, program implementation and fundraising skills necessary to implement the four point approach. Economic Restructuring: The preparation of the studies necessary to fully understand the social and economic characteristics of the downtown and its trade area, so as to implement a strategy that will retain existing businesses and help strong businesses or business clusters to develop and recruit new businesses appropriate to the vision and trade area demographics of the downtown in question. In addition to the four point approach, there are eight principles guiding the redevelopment strategy: Comprehensive: No single focus — lavish public improvements, name-brand business recruitment, or endless promotional events — can revitalize Main Street. For successful, sustainable, long-term revitalization, a comprehensive approach, including activity in each of Main Street's Four Points, is essential. Incremental: Baby steps come before walking. Successful revitalization programs begin with basic, simple activities that demonstrate that "new things are happening " in the commercial district. As public confidence in the Main Street district grows and participants' understanding of the revitalization process becomes more sophisticated, Main Street is able to tackle increasingly complex problems and more ambitious projects. This incremental change leads to much longer-lasting and dramatic positive change. Self-help: No one else will save your Main Street. Local leaders must have the will and desire to mobilize local resources and talent. That means convincing residents and business owners of the rewards they'll reap by investing time and money in Main Street — the heart of their community. Only local leadership can produce long-term success by fostering and demonstrating community involvement and commitment to the revitalization effort. Partnerships: Both the public and private sectors have a vital interest in the district and must work together to achieve common goals of Main Street's revitalization. Each sector has a role to play and each must understand the other's strengths and limitations in order to forge an effective partnership. Identifying and capitalizing on existing assets: Business districts must capitalize on the assets that make them unique. Every district has unique qualities like distinctive buildings and human scale that give people a sense of belonging. These local assets must serve as the foundation for all aspects of the revitalization program. Quality: Emphasize quality in every aspect of the revitalization program. This applies to all elements of the process — from storefront designs to promotional campaigns to educational programs. Shoestring budgets and "cut and paste" efforts reinforce a negative image of the commercial district. Instead, concentrate on quality projects over quantity. Change: Skeptics turn into believers and attitudes on Main Street will turn around. At first, almost no one believes Main Street can really turn around. Changes in attitude and practice are slow but definite — public support for change will build as the Main Street program grows and consistently meets its goals. Change also means engaging in better business practices, altering ways of thinking, and improving the physical appearance of the commercial district. A carefully planned Main Street program will help shift public perceptions and practices to support and sustain the revitalization process. Implementation: To succeed, Main Street must show visible results that can only come from completing projects. Frequent, visible changes are a reminder that the revitalization effort is under way and succeeding. Small projects at the beginning of the program pave the way for larger ones as the revitalization effort matures, and that constant revitalization activity creates confidence in the Main Street program and ever-greater levels of participation. For more information visit: preservationnation.org wyomingmainstreet.org Main Street Pinedale Program  MSP is a 501-C-3 non-profit organization, its primary objective is to stimulate the revitalization of the Main Street District of Pinedale through, among other things: • Lessening the burdens of local, state and federal government through public improvement activities directly undertaken by the Main Street Pinedale; combating community deterioration by preserving and enhancing the historic character of the Downtown District . • Educating the public about the architecture and history of Downtown Pinedale. • Combating community deterioration by providing and supporting economic development in Downtown Pinedale. • FAQ's >> back to top |