Application Process

Applications

Main Street Alabama’s Application Workshops guide communities through the process of becoming a Designated Main Street Program. These sessions clearly explain the criteria for designation and walk applicants through each step of the application process.

Beyond the basics, the workshops highlight the support Main Street Alabama provides to help position historic downtowns and neighborhood commercial districts for long-term success. By implementing the nationally recognized Main Street Four-Point Approach® - Organization, Promotion, Design, and Economic Vitality - communities learn how to transform their districts into vibrant centers of commerce, culture, and community life.

The Main Street Four-Point Approach® is a proven economic development strategy that leverages each district’s unique assets to spark revitalization and sustain growth.

MAIN STREET ALABAMA PROGRAM APPLICATION INSTRUCTIONS

A. ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS

In order for applications to be reviewed and considered by the Main Street Alabama Selection Committee, the following eligibility requirements must be met:
Have an existing organization or commit to establish an organization responsible for the Main Street Program. This organization must have broad community support with evidence of a public/private partnership, a board of directors or advisory board, and a committee structure.
Have the ability to fund a paid Main Street Director (documented funding is required). Full-time for cities over 5,000 and at least part-time (20 hours) for cities under 5,000.
Each community must be a member of Main Street Alabama’s Network program in good standing at the time of application. In addition, each community agrees to join at the Designated Main Street Program fee scale at the time of designation.
Willingness to sign and adhere to all conditions set forth in the Memorandum of Agreement with the Main Street Alabama Association once selected for designation (Available upon request).

B. SELECTION CRITERIA

Each application will be judged based on the following criteria. In addition, each application will be judged on its completeness of content.

Evidence of a strong public/private understanding and commitment to the Main Street philosophy and methodology.
Evidence of local public and private sector financial support of the Main Street Program.
Level of commitment to hire a Main Street Director who will work in the designated project area.
Potential and capacity for successful implementation of the Main Street Program.
Evidence of historic fabric.
Geographic distribution of cities.

C. TIME REQUIREMENTS

A successful Main Street Program requires dedication and hours of hard work. Experience has shown that often new applicants do not realize the amount of time that will be required of volunteers in order to implement a successful program. It is essential that the board members realize what is expected of them; therefore, below is an estimate of the time requirements involved. Many of these meetings are mandatory for the director and board members to attend as well. Keep these factors in mind as you select your working Board of Directors. Below is a sample of requirements for the local programs:

Orientation
Board member training
Development of vision, goals, objectives, and an annual work plan
Program assessment visits
Other meetings as deemed necessary
Quarterly Training
Local board and committee work
Director's participation in all MSA's Trainings and Workshops.

D. APPLICATION

The online application is only available after attending a new city application workshop during the year of application. Please note that the designated application is competitive with up to three programs selected annually based on Main Street Alabama's capacity.

For more information, email mary@mainstreetalabama.org.

Learn More

Quick Facts

Main Street is a powerful network of linked communities.

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

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

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

Main Street Alabama was launched in 2013.

Main Streets help keep profits in town.

Main Street builds on the authentic history, culture, and attributes of specific places, to bring sustainable change.

Main Street Alabama is a non-profit organization which stresses public-private partnerships, community engagement, and strategies that create jobs, spark investment, attract visitors, and spur growth.

Main Street is a proven strategy for revitalization.

There are 32 Network Main Street Alabama communities in the state.

Main Street is a unique preservation based economic development program.

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

Alabama has 34 Designated Main Street Alabama communities.

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 generates millions in taxes for state and local governments.

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

Main Streets are prominent employment centers.