Designated Communities

Designated Logo

Designated map

Up to three communities are selected annually to become Designated Communities through Main Street Alabama.

Interested parties must follow the posted schedule to make application. A general timeframe that should be considered is as follows: Multiple application workshops are held each Winter, written applications are due at the end of each Spring and the announcement of New Communities is at the beginning of each Summer. More information regarding the process is located in the "How to Apply" Section.

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Tiered Program of Services

Designated Main Street

New programs $7,500 Fee Year 1; $5,000 Year 2; $3,000 Year 3
Established programs (4+ years) $1,500 Annual Fee

For communities that have a thorough understanding of the 4-Point Approach to revitalization and the desire and commitment to work the program, and that annually meet Main Street Alabama’s criteria for designation. Designation includes eligibility for all benefits. To become a Designated Main Street community, a first-time community must become a Network member, attend an Application Workshop, be recommended by a Selection Committee based on a completed application and evaluation of capacity to achieve success, and be approved by the Board of Directors of Main Street Alabama (limited to 3 new communities a year).

This is the only level of service that authorizes a community to use the trademarked Main Street name and the Main Street Alabama logo.

Services

Technical Assistance – For new Main Street communities during the first 3 years

Full-day on-site media event & visit to kick off the newly designated program, familiarize Main Street Alabama staff with local community issues, and provide organizational assistance.
Assistance developing and structuring the Board, including the 4-Point committees, and with plans to hire the local Executive Director
On-site 3- or 4-day Resource Team visit to include (1) public visioning; (2) strategic interviews with City officials, historic preservationists, economic development representatives, business owners, property owners, arts/cultural interests, consumers, and residents; (3) review of data on codes, zoning, history of the community, and the market; (4) public presentation with initial findings, downtown vision, and recommendations
Strategic Planning Guide developed by the Resource Team, including recommendations in each of the four points to support the Main Street program in the first 3 to 5 years
Once the Executive Director is hired and committees are in place, conduct full-day training, including work plan and goals, for the Board’s 4-Point committees, the ED, and interested community members and volunteers
Electronic general design guidelines
Market Analysis and economic development strategies specific to the designated community, including consumer and business surveys in year two.
In year three, full branding package to include organizational, destination, and event extension images unique to the community.
Annual assessment of program success, including monthly reporting and follow-up on committee progress in relation to Mission and Vision statements and work plans, providing assistance if needed

Technical Assistance – For established Main Street communities (4+ years)

20 hours telephone or electronic consultation with Main Street Alabama staff
Assistance updating Mission and Vision statements, if needed
Assistance developing committee work plans, if needed
On-site public presentation to assist in promoting the value of the Main Street 4-Point approach to the community
One 4-hour on-site consultation or training by Main Street Alabama staff tailored to your needs (e.g., Fundraising, Entrepreneurship, Main Street as a Developer)
One-day community assessment involving interviews and public engagement, conducted by Main Street Alabama and selected professional consultants
Conduct Board retreat (minimum of 8 members and ED in attendance)
Electronic general design guidelines provided
Market Analysis and economic development strategies specific to the designated community, including consumer and business surveys
Annual assessment of program success, including monthly reporting and follow-up on committee progress in relation to Mission and Vision statements and work plans, providing assistance if needed
Ongoing professional development opportunities for the director, board members and volunteers
Eligible to purchase additional services at Designated Main Street discounted rates

Training

Full-day workshops on revitalization trends, tools and best practices from around the country, at a discounted rate of $25/person for designated communities. Each training session provides take-home-and-put-to-use information, from how to do promotions that work, to understanding community-initiated development and learning to manage the changes in your downtown. Training sessions are held quarterly in Designated Main Street communities around the state.

Educational Resources

Access to Main Street Alabama resource library
Receive regular e-mail communications from Main Street Alabama so you know what’s up in the downtown redevelopment field

Special Events and Networking

Interact at quarterly training with others from across the state who are working on downtown redevelopment projects, sharing information and support
Quarterly meetings with directors of other Designated Main Street communities, including roundtable discussions to exchange information and resources to solve specific problems, along with mentoring opportunities
Authorization to use the trademarked “Main Street” name and affiliation with the national brand
Eligible to promote and market local community events through Main Street Alabama website and social media and to participate in joint Main Street marketing
Eligible for awards recognition at the state and national level

Requirements

Sign an annual Memorandum of Agreement that specifies mutual expectations for a successful revitalization program
Understand and commit to the Main Street 4-Point Approach & Eight Guiding Principles
Build consensus-based cooperative partnerships with local public and private sectors
Maintain a sufficient level of local program funding to cover: salary & benefits for the local Main Street director and other staff; fees to Main Street Alabama and dues to the National Main Street Center (NMSC); rent; utilities; telephone; office equipment and supplies; printing/copying; photography; postage; insurance; advertising/promotion; travel for training; professional development; memberships; and other operational expenses
Employ a qualified professional director to administer and run the program, responsible for carrying out the 4-Point Approach. This position is similar to that of a Chamber Executive or a Director of Economic Development
Attend all quarterly trainings, directors meetings and state conference

Learn More

Quick Facts

Our Main Streets are places of shared memory where people still come together to live, work and play.

For every dollar Alabama puts into the Main Street program, $13.36 is paid back to state coffers in sales taxes.

Property investment in Main Street districts, from 2014-2023, generated $35 million in taxes for Alabama's state and local governments.

From 2014-2023, Main Street Alabama communities reported a cumulative total of 4,530 net new jobs.

Main Streets are prominent employment centers

Our Main Streets tell us who we are, who we were and how the past has shaped us.

Main Streets help keep profits in town

The Main Street Approach is an important economic development tool for historic preservation in Alabama.

Main Street is a powerful network of linked communities.

Main Street Alabama was launched in 2013.

Main Street is a unique preservation based economic development program.

Main Street is a proven strategy for revitalization.

From 2014-2023, over $1 billion in public and private money was invested in Alabama's Main Street districts.