Main Street Alabama

Overview

Main Street Alabama is a nonprofit organization dedicated to revitalizing Alabama's historic communities through economic development and community engagement. Established in 2009 and incorporated in 2010, Main Street Alabama operates as the state coordinating program for Main Street America, implementing a proven framework designed to enhance the economic vitality of downtown areas and neighborhood commercial districts across the state.

Mission and Objectives

The mission of Main Street Alabama is to revitalize downtown and neighborhood commercial areas by promoting public-private partnerships and engaging the community in sustainable economic development strategies. The organization focuses on:

• Creating jobs and attracting investment
• Enhancing community pride and engagement
• Encouraging tourism and new visitors to the area
• Utilizing the unique historical and cultural attributes of specific places to drive growth

Strategic Approach

Main Street Alabama employs the Main Street Four-Point Approach®, a comprehensive framework that assists communities in organizing for successful revitalization. This approach emphasizes:

1. Organization: Building a strong foundation through community engagement and volunteer participation.
2. Promotion: Marketing the district to attract visitors and potential investors.
3. Design: Improving the physical environment and aesthetics of the community.
4. Economic Vitality: Fostering local economic development by supporting businesses and creating new jobs.

History

Before the formation of Main Street Alabama, the Alabama Historical Commission operated the state's Main Street program from the 1980s until budget cuts in the early 2000s diminished its capacity. In 2009, recognizing the need for revitalization, the Alabama Historical Commission collaborated with the National Main Street Center to assess community needs, leading to the establishment of Main Street Alabama.

Since its inception, the organization has overseen significant investments in its communities, reporting over $1 billion in public and private funds allocated to Main Street districts between 2014 and 2023. These investments have resulted in the creation of approximately 4,530 net new jobs and have significantly contributed to local tax revenues.

Community Impact

Main Street Alabama has designated 33 communities across the state, supporting local initiatives that enhance economic growth and community engagement. The organization also offers training, resources, and consulting services to assist local programs in implementing the Main Street methodology. The success of local Main Street programs often relies on broad community participation, with financial backing from various local stakeholders including businesses, government entities, and civic organizations.

Economic Benefits

The economic contributions of Main Street Alabama are substantial. For every dollar invested in the program, the state experiences a return of approximately $13.36 in sales tax revenue. Main Streets not only help retain local profits but also stimulate entrepreneurship and build local capacity, ensuring ongoing economic success for participating communities.

Conclusion

Main Street Alabama continues to serve as an essential catalyst for the revitalization of historic communities, fostering sustainable economic development through collaborative efforts, community pride, and the safeguarding of Alabama's rich cultural heritage.