Headland has been selected to join a statewide effort to build stronger communities through effective downtown and neighborhood commercial district revitalization. Main Street Alabama, a non-profit organization that uses a national model with a 40-year track record of success, designated the towns after a rigorous application process.
According to Mary Helmer, State Coordinator for the program, Main Street Alabama will immediately begin providing each town with intensive board development, goal setting, work planning, market study with implementable economic development strategies, targeted technical assistance, and quarterly training related to downtown development. “When a community is ready for Main Street, the time tested Four Point Approach ® works,” Helmer said. “It brings jobs, dollars and people back to neighborhood commercial districts.”
Helmer added that the interview panel was impressed by the presentation made by the application teams made that demonstrated a love of their community, a vision for what they could be, and the drive to make it happen. She noted that Headland demonstrated passion for their downtown and had recognized Main Street principals could elevate the current efforts in their district, which made them stand out in the field of applicants.
The announcement made on social media earlier today stated:
“It’s easy to love a place that shares its heart. Loveletters for this hometown came pouring in from all over the state proving that what happens #UnderTheOaks doesn’t always stay under the oaks! This community, once known as Head’s Land, was laid out by James Joshua Head in 1871 and included a public square, storehouse and both residential and commercial lots. The public square, which is anchored by a gazebo and the first example of public art in the county, a statue called “Spirit of the American Doughboy”, is the home for community events and activities. With the addition of the railroad in 1893, the community became the heart of the cotton, lumber and eventually, peanut processing industries. They call their downtown their heart and we want to share in the love! So, Headland, #WeDo #WeLoveHeadland #MainStreetAlabama #HeartofHeadland”
Headland and three other communities announced today join Alexander City, Anniston, Athens, Birmingham, Columbiana, Decatur, Dothan, Elba, Eufaula, Florence, Foley, Fort Payne, Gadsden, Heflin, Marion, Monroeville, Montevallo, Jasper, Opelika, Oxford, Scottsboro, South Huntsville, and Wetumpka and in using Main Street's comprehensive and incremental approach. Each Designated community listed above reports their success by tracking their reinvestment statistics. Main Street Alabama’s Designated communities have reported 379 net new businesses, 2,364 net new jobs, $303,975,745 in private investment, $83,284,171 in public improvements, and 78,992 volunteer hours in their districts collectively since June of 2014.
Main Street Alabama will continue to add new communities annually. Application Workshops to become a Designated Community will be held again in January 2020. Until then, communities interested in downtown and neighborhood commercial district revitalization can participate in Main Street Alabama's Network.
For more information, visit www.mainstreetalabama.org
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