MAIN STREET AMERICA
As a Main Street America™ Accredited program, Venice MainStreet is a recognized leading program among the national network of more than 1,200 neighborhoods and communities who share both a commitment to creating high-quality places and to building stronger communities through preservation-based economic development. All Main Street America™ Accredited programs meet a set of National Accreditation Standards of Performance as outlined by Main Street America.
Main Street America™ is a movement. Main Street America has been helping revitalize older and historic commercial districts for more than 35 years. It is the leading voice for preservation-based economic development and community revitalization across the country. Made up of small towns, mid-sized communities, and urban commercial districts, Main Street America represents the broad diversity that makes this country so unique. Working together, the programs that make up the Main Street America network help to breathe new life into the places people call home.
Main Street America™ is a mark of distinction. It is a seal, recognizing that participating programs, organizations, and communities are part of a national movement with a proven track record for celebrating community character, preserving local history, and generating impressive economic returns. Since 1980, over 2,000 communities have been part of Main Street, bringing renewed energy and activity to America’s downtowns and commercial districts, securing $61 billion in new investment creating more than 525,000 net new jobs and rehabilitating 251,000 buildings.
Main Street America™ is a time-tested strategy. Main Street America communities are encouraged to make use of a time-tested approach, known as the Main Street Approach. The Main Street Approach is rooted in a commitment to broad-based community engagement, a holistic understanding of the factors that impact the quality of life in a community, and strategic focus on the core principles of downtown and neighborhood revitalization: Economic Vitality, Design, Promotion, and Organization.
For more information about Main Street America™, click HERE.
Venice MainStreet follows Main Street America’s Transformation Strategies organized around the Four-Point Approach®. The Four Points include:
Economic Vitality focuses on capital, incentives, and other economic and financial tools to assist new and existing businesses, catalyze property development, and create a supportive environment for entrepreneurs and innovators that drive local economies.
Design supports a community’s transformation by enhancing the physical and visual assets that set the commercial district apart.
Promotion positions the downtown or commercial district as the center of the community and hub of economic activity, while creating a positive image that showcases a community’s unique characteristics.
Organization involves creating a strong foundation for a sustainable revitalization effort, including cultivating partnerships, community involvement, and resources for the district.
FLORIDA MAIN STREET
Florida Main Street is a technical assistance program with the goal of revitalizing historic downtowns and encouraging economic development within the context of historic preservation. Since 1985, Florida Main Street has offered technical assistance to Main Street programs across the state. The program is a part of a network of over 40 nationally recognized programs throughout the country.
Florida Main Street is administered by Division of Historical Resources under the Florida Department of State. The program is affiliated with the National Main Street Center and utilizes the National Main Street Center’s Four-Point Approach® which offers a framework for community-based revitalization initiatives.
Venice MainStreet is a member of Florida MainStreet and is one of 35+ accredited Main Street programs within the state. For more information about Florida Main Street click HERE.
Why Support Main Street?
Creates jobs- A revitalized district attracts new industry and strengthens service and retail job markets.
Saves tax dollars- Revitalization stabilizes and improves the area’s tax base, while also protecting existing investments.
Preserves the community’s historic resources- In an economically healthy downtown, property owners can afford to maintain their historic buildings and preserve an important part of the community’s heritage.
Builds community pride- Main Street provides a public space for members from all areas of the community to come together, creates new partnerships, and celebrates their downtown.
