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.

The next round of Application Workshops will be held in January 2025. We will not be accepting new communities in 2024.

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 REQUIREMENTS

  In addition to completing the online application - only available after attending a new city application workshop the year of application, the following will need to be uploaded with the application:

• Twenty five (25) color photos of designated area buildings and streetscapes. Each image file should be named based on what is in the photo. In the field provided, the description should include the building's address, the direction from which the photo was taken (north, south, etc.), and a brief explanation of why this shot was included. THE IMAGES BECOME THE PROPERTY OF MAIN STREET ALABAMA PROGRAM FOR FUTURE USE AS DEEMED APPROPRIATE BY THE STATE COORDINATOR.
• The application form and attachments will be submitted electronically. Additional documents to be uploaded into the application include:
  • A signed resolution passed by the municipal governing body showing support for the Main Street Program (we will provide a sample).
  • Articles of incorporation of applicant organization or agency (unless applicant is the municipality).
  • Certification of full first year funding for the local program, including a list of pledges for the first year funding.
  • Completed itemized budget for the first year. The program budget shall address at least the following: salary and benefits for a full-time manager and allowance for office rent, telephone, utilities, office supplies, part-time secretarial services, promotions, car allowance and travel. NOTE: Main Street Managers' salaries should be in proportion to other similar professionals in your region taking into account the size of the community and cost of living. Be generous with the travel budget, the manager will have to travel to training and meetings and also have sufficient funds to travel to at least one in-state and one out-of-state professional conference annually.
  • Job description for the Manager. If an individual has already been selected to serve in the role, please upload their resume.
  • A map of the district showing:
    • 1. Boundaries of the official Business District; boundaries of the proposed Main Street Program area, also include,
    • 2. Boundaries of any local, state, or federally designated historic districts, community development or urban renewal areas within the proposed district.
  • If you wish to send additional letters and resolutions of support for the Main Street Program from merchants, property owners, organizations, institutions, and citizens indicating their willingness to work with and support the local program, upload them into a Dropbox or similar program, and email link to Mary Helmer Wirth, mary@mainstreetalabama.org.

Learn More