Organization creates a shared vision that converts the Main Street program’s mission into clear goals, defines the organization’s role in revitalizing the downtown or commercial corridor using an approach that fits the neighborhood, and builds structure for the board and staff. Organization also involves creating a strong foundation for a sustainable revitalization effort through the cultivation of strong partnerships, community involvement, and resources.

3 Simple Next Steps

1. Engage Key Stakeholders — Establish and build relationships with your community. Listen to their concerns, nurture a collective understanding of your Main Street program’s revitalization goals, and gain their trust, commitment, and participation.
2. Create a Team — Recruit residents, business and property owners, municipal staff, and community partners to support your staff in planning, funding, and executing projects, activities, and initiatives. 
3. Secure Funding — Work with your board, staff, and experts to develop and oversee a sustainable fundraising strategy. Devote time to building and nurturing relationships with potential funders for your program and projects.

Dive Deeper

Click on the links below to dive deeper and learn more about Organization principles for Main Street communities.

• Cultivating Effective Leadership to Transform Communities, State of Main (Fall 2016)
• Volunteer Toolkit, Main Street America
• Community Engagement for Main Street Transformation, Main Street America
• Advocacy Toolkit, Main Street America
• Fund Development Toolkit, Michigan Main Street
• Board of Directors Composition Matrix, Michigan Economic Development Corporation
• Browse Organization Courses, Main Street America Institute