During its upcoming New City Application Workshops, taking place in Birmingham, Enterprise, and Athens this month, Main Street Alabama will provide an explanation of services and expectations for the Main Street application process to help prepare communities interested in program designation.
Main Street is an economic development tool that enhances a community’s tax base, fosters entrepreneurship, builds community capacity, and creates partnerships among key community groups. Understandably, becoming a designated Main Street community is a competitive process, with up to only three programs selected annually based on Main Street Alabama’s capacity.
The organization’s New City Application Workshops guide communities through each step of the application process, including eligibility requirements, selection criteria, time requirements, and the actual application. Beyond the basics, the workshops highlight the support Main Street Alabama provides to help position historic downtowns and neighborhood commercial districts for long-term success.
By implementing the nationally recognized Main Street Four-Point Approach®—Organization, Promotion, Design, and Economic Vitality—communities learn how to transform their districts into vibrant centers of commerce, culture, and community life.
The Birmingham session is scheduled for January 13. The Enterprise workshop will take place on January 20, and the third session will be held in Athens on January 27. All sessions are expected to last from 1 to 4 p.m.
While there is no fee to attend, registration is required and can be found on the Main Street Alabama website at mainstreetalabama.org. Applications will only be available to those communities who attend the full workshop and submit a letter of intent to apply.
Main Street Alabama is a non-profit organization which stresses public-private partnerships, broad community engagement, and strategies that create jobs, spark new investment, attract visitors, and spur growth in core commercial districts. Main Street builds on the authentic history, culture, and attributes of specific places to bring sustainable change.
