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 designation criteria 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.

Download PDF Version of Readiness Checklist

APPLICATION

The online application is only available after attending a new city application workshop during the application year. 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 Streets are prominent employment centers.

Main Street Alabama was launched in 2013.

Main Street is a proven strategy for revitalization.

Main Street is a unique preservation based economic development program.

Main Streets help keep profits in town.

Alabama has 34 Designated Main Street Alabama communities.

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

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

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

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

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

Property investment in Main Street districts generates millions in taxes for state and local governments.

For every dollar Alabama puts into the Main Street program, $13.36 is paid back to state coffers in sales taxes.

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.

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

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.