As local governments search for ways to drive their economy, Main Street associations are proving to be successful economic engines, according to recent research.
“Currently, local governments throughout our nation are struggling with ways to stimulate their economies,” Stephanie Pink, a doctoral student at Mississippi State University, said Friday, as she presented research during the Mississippi Political Science Association”s annual conference, held over the weekend at Mississippi University for Women.
Main Street associations have been successful at promoting entrepreneurship ad small business, a newer trend in economic stimulation.
In the 1980s, economic development focused on “smokestack chasing,” recruiting big mills and industry. Later, communities began to focus on containing and retaining existing businesses, Pink said. A recent trend is investing in the Main Street downtown revitalization program.
In continuing research, Pink explores the relationship between the Main Street program and forms of local government.
Pink offered Columbus as one story of success through the Main Street program.
Columbus established its Main Street program in 1985 and since has reinvesting in downtown “through countless efforts,” said Amber Murphree Brislin, director of Main Street Columbus Inc.
“Properties that were once vacant and in poor condition are now vibrant, restored and thriving assets to our community,” she said.
Since its inception, feathers in Main Street Columbus” cap include the addition of the Riverwalk, which has hosted various festivals, concerts and other events, and the creation of more than 140 downtown upper-floor lofts and apartments.
“What were once empty storage units above businesses are now charming residences,” Brislin said. “Rent income from these apartments keeps business spaces affordable.”
Main Street Columbus also has developed and continued dozens of award-winning special events, festivals and activities.
This year, Main Street Columbus received the Great American Main Street Award. Being named one of the country”s top five downtowns by the National Trust for Historic Preservation.
The Main Street program was established in 1977 by the National Trust for Historic Preservation.
“The whole idea was to restore the vitality and business to the downtown districts,” Pink said, noting there are 40 states with citywide or countywide Main Street programs.
Main Street has four parts, Pink said — organizing the community toward the common goal, promoting a positive image, working on design and aesthetic appeal and economic restructuring.
“The state of Mississippi is one of the states that realized the potential of the Main Street program in promoting downtown and local prosperity,” she said.
Mississippi Main Street Association in September designated the city of Starkville as a Mississippi Main Street Community. A Mississippi Main Street resource team will conduct a design program in Starkville and give recommendations for a long-term master plan for the downtown area.
Fifty of the state”s more than 300 municipalities participate in the Main Street program, Pink said. The cities range in size from Jackson (population 176,614, according to 2006 U.S. Census Bureau estimates) to Bay St. Louis (population 8,209, according to the 2000 U.S. Census).
In the area, in addition to Columbus and Starkville, West Point, Amory, Aberdeen and Macon are Main Street communities.
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