Seven Keys to Main Street Success

At the 2004 National Main Street Conference in Albuquerque, New Mexico, keynote speaker Kennedy Smith, departing director of the National Trust’s Main Street Center, discussed seven keys to success for Main Street districts in the years ahead. Smith has been Director of the Center for 13 years and has been instrumental in using historic preservation as a tool for community revitalization. Her insights are valuable to most all communities including those not directly affiliated with the Main Street Program.

Can Downtowns Survive?

The gut reaction of many, particularly in the development community, will be that “of course” downtowns will survive. But an economist’s eye on recent trends suggests the future of the downtown is anything but certain. This article takes a look at the “bad news” as well as some survival skills for downtowns to use.

Downtown’s Role in the New Economy

A successful downtown supports the “new” economy and is an integral part of a regional economic development strategy. These concepts were discussed in detail by Gary Becker of Vierbicher Associates Inc. in Madison, WI at the annual Wisconsin Governor’s Conference on Downtown Revitalization. This article summarizes Mr. Becker’s reasoning on why downtown is important to regional economic development, and what communities can do to increase the role of their downtowns.

Economic Benefits of A Walkable Community

Walking is beneficial to people’s health, to community vitality, and for the environment. According to a report prepared by the Maine Development Foundation, “walking improves community i0nteraction as people are more likely to talk with neighbors and shop in local stores when they are walking through a community. It also provides easy, inexpensive and low-impact exercise that can improve the overall health of community residents. Walking instead of driving also protects environmental quality. Reducing vehicular emissions benefits plants, watersheds, and the health of wildlife nd people alike.” This issue discusses the economic benefits that walkable communities provide in addition to their environmental and social value.
~Thumbnail by Jeff Miller of UW Madison

Surviving Road Construction

Road construction is necessary to maintain and repair underground utilities, enhance the safety and flow of traffic, and to eliminate damaging potholes. The results of road construction are increased safety and an improved image of a community. Road construction can also have a negative effect on the community and the local economy, especially in downtown areas. However, there are a large number of strategies that local, government, organizations and business operators can use to deal with the effects of road construction. These strategies are summariazed in seven main groups as presented in this article.

Main Street Partnering – A Key to Successful Downtown Revialization

Healthy downtowns require strong partnerships between significant downtown stakeholders. This article profiles how partnerships can be forged and the pivotal role they play in successful downtown revitalization efforts. A
series of principles that underscore effective and sustainable downtown partnerships are presented that should be instructive to a community’s downtown development efforts.

Downtown Development: Key Trends & Practices

The purpose of this article is to present some of the key downtown development trends and practices in the United States. These trends are based on Kent Robertson’s extensive research, writings, and consulting activities in the field of downtown development.
~Thumbnail by Jeff Miller of UW Wisconsin

Parking and Pedestrians

Two important transportation goals of most American downtowns are to provide sufficient parking spaces to meet the demand of motorists and an attractive pedestrian-friendly environment. Yet, when planned for separately, these two goals frequently contradict each other. This article discusses the characteristics, problems, and strategies associated with downtown pedestrians and motorists and advocates an integrated approach wherein the needs of both are balanced.

2001 National Main Street Trends Survey

In its sixth annual survey of emerging trends in historic Main Street commercial districts, the National Trust for Historic Preservation’s National Main Street Center has found compelling evidence of the continuing economic rebound of historic downtowns and neighborhood commercial districts. The major results of this survey are summarized in this article.

Business Improvement District (BID) Development in Wisconsin

This article helps us understand BIDs by looking at what they are, how they are created and function, their history and distribution in the state. Attention is then directed at the programs and activities of BIDs as well as their impacts on Wisconsin communities.

Downtown Economics

Division of Extension

Ideas and Perspectives

Seven Keys to Main Street Success

Can Downtowns Survive?

Downtown’s Role in the New Economy

Economic Benefits of A Walkable Community

Surviving Road Construction

Main Street Partnering – A Key to Successful Downtown Revialization

Downtown Development: Key Trends & Practices

Parking and Pedestrians

2001 National Main Street Trends Survey

Business Improvement District (BID) Development in Wisconsin