Application Process

Applications

Main Street Alabama Application Workshops explain the criteria and the process for applying to become a Main Street Alabama Designated Program and describe the assistance Main Street Alabama can offer to position historic downtowns and neighborhood commercial districts for success by implementing the nationally recognized Main Street Four-Point Approach® for downtown and neighborhood commercial district revitalization. A unique economic development tool, the Main Street Four-Point Approach® is the foundation for local initiatives to revitalize their districts by leveraging their unique assets, from cultural or architectural heritage to local enterprises and community pride.

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 Manager (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 upon 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 full-time Main Street Manager that 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 manager and board members to attend as well. Keep these factors in mind as you select your working Board of Directors.
1. Main Street Alabama Requirements
- Orientation
- Board member training
- Development of vision, goals and objectives and annual work plan
- Program assessment visits
- Other meetings as deemed necessary
- Quarterly Manager Training
2. Local Requirements
- Local board and committee work
- Manager 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.
For more information email: mary@mainstreetalabama.org

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Quick Facts

Main Street is a unique preservation based economic development program.

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

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

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.

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

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

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

Main Street is a proven strategy for revitalization.

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

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

Main Street Alabama was launched in 2013.

Main Street is a powerful network of linked communities.

There are 26 Network Main Street Alabama communities in the state.

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

Alabama has 33 designated Main Street Alabama communities.

Main Streets are prominent employment centers.

Main Streets help keep profits in town.