Every JOURNEY Starts with a First Step
Healthy downtowns grow through collaboration, capacity building, local leadership and a shared vision.
No matter where your community is on its journey, we're here to help you take the next step.
Join the Main Street Network
Benefits of the Network.
The Main Street Alabama Network connects communities that are ready to strengthen their downtowns and invest in their future. Network Communities gain access to training, technical assistance, resources, and connections with other community leaders across Alabama all while building the foundation for continued growth.
Designation Readiness
How to Become a Designated District.
Designation as a Main Street Alabama district is a significant opportunity reserved for Network communities that are actively demonstrating their readiness to take the next step in downtown revitalization. Designation brings a greater level of local investment, leadership, and responsibility, reflecting a community’s commitment to long-term revitalization.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
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Starting a Program
The first step is to join the Main Street Alabama Network. This is a requirement for any district seeking to become a Designated Main Street program. To find out more about the application process, visit our website.
Main Street Alabama works with the local community to examine the commercial district's needs and opportunities and develop a long-term, incremental strategy based on the Main Street Four-Point Approach™. Main Street Alabama provides consulting services, support, training, materials, and information to help a revitalization organization grow.
You can encourage local leaders, planning agencies, economic development agencies, city government, businesses, and individuals to apply the Main Street Four-Point approach to what they are doing now. Help them to view traditional commercial buildings as an asset to your community and to see the downtown or neighborhood commercial district as an area full of opportunity to renew your community's sense of identity, history, and place. Become a Network Community
Network Communities
The Network is an introductory level for communities that care about their historic downtown or neighborhood commercial district and want to learn more about the Main Street Approach®. Communities at this level receive assistance from Main Street Alabama to build capacity, organize a public-private partnership, share their desire to improve the district, and start the necessary conversations.
Interested communities may apply in one of two open rounds, February or August, by completing a brief application form linked below; this is not a competitive process. There is no limit on how many years a community can be a Network Member. Have additional questions? Visit our Application Page for more information.