The National Main Street Program Four-Point Approach helps small towns with economic development in a proactive and progressive manner, gaining strong results. It has a reputation as one of the most powerful economic development tools in the nation, creating more vibrant and healthy downtowns through job creation, business growth, building rehabilitation, and cultural enhancement.
The Main Street organization is comprised of community volunteers who care about their historic district. They organize their efforts and create a work plan to accomplish what is best for the revitalization of their downtown and the success of their small businesses.
The economic impact of the Main Street program is known for its ever-expanding economic base and its resiliency. Main Street assists with increasing the knowledge base of existing business owners, fosters entrepreneurial start-ups and expansions, recruits new small businesses, and finds new ways to utilize vacant and underused commercial space to create an economically productive property.
For 45 years, Kentucky Main Street communities have been the catalyst for economic development. In 2023, participating programs reported a cumulative investment of over $61 million in downtown commercial districts. The total represents $32 million in private investment and $17 million in public improvements.
