Placemaking Main Street into a Destination Downtown
Fred Kent and Gary Toth of Project for Public Spaces explore how placemaking initiatives can turn your downtown into a destination.
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When people talk about a Culinary District, they usually compare it to a restaurant or entertainment district, but it is much more than that. In this article, learn how Bridgeton, N.J., has drawn on its long history as a food producing and processing hub to create a district that encompasses all aspects of this country’s growing Culinary Culture, including culinary tourism.
Published in Main Street Now Journal. Written by Carola Lillie Hartley.
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Communications Procedures
These sample Communication Standard Operating Procedures from Heart of Biddeford provide an example of the communication policies that Main Streets should consider formalizing, including brand guidelines, DEI best practices, website, email marketing, social media, and more.
Biddeford, ME © McKenney Photography
Shop Small Guide
Examples of Main Street marketing brochures from across Indiana's Main Street programs.
Wayfinding Sign System Guide
This guide from Virginia Main Street explores the importance of wayfinding, the components of a custom wayfinding plan, design considerations, and implementation.
Sterling, Illinois. © Sterling Main Street
Crafting Your Message for an Elected Official
Simple advice for outreach and communications with elected officials and government representatives.
Get Hyped: Turn District Cheerleaders into Social Influencers
Watch this webinar to learn how social influencers can drive engagement and build excitement for your downtown promotions and programs.
Social Media, Photo Contests, and Walking Tours
Use this guide from Colorado Main Street to help you develop social media strategies, photo contests, and walking tours that will boost engagement and bring people downtown.
Lansing, MI
Crisis Management
Everything you need to prepare your community organization to handle both internal and external crises. Published by Indiana Main Street.
Momence, IL
Construction Mitigation Plan
Construction can be very disruptive for downtown businesses. Use this sample mitigation plan to help you develop your own strategy to assist your downtown businesses during a construction project. Published by Cumberland Main Street.
Brand Guidelines
Your organization's branding can represent the unique features of your downtown, remind people of the purpose of your organization, and help people stay engaged with your work. A comprehensive brand guide helps your staff and partners be consistent in how they represent your organization and your work. Published by Downtown Maryville Alliance.
Maryville, TN © Downtown Maryville Alliance
Media Communications for Advocacy Campaigns
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Using Social Media to Tell Your Downtown’s Story
Watch this webinar to learn the power of digital marketing and online promotions to drive excitement and engagement on social media.
Special Event Policy
An example of the policies that communities can use to guide their downtown carnivals, block parties, festivals, and other special events. Published by the city of Batavia, Illinois.
Going Beyond Events
Marketing your downtown with targeted, year-round engagement and outreach efforts. Published in Main Street Now Journal.
Wayland, MI
Measuring the Economic Impact of Special Events
Two Mississippi Main Street communities explain how they collected data on the small business impact of downtown events.
The Arkansas DeltaMade Program
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Siloam Springs, AR © Brandonrush
Cash Mobs
First there were “flash mobs.” Now there are cash mobs, the shop-local equivalent. At these events, 'mobs' of people visit a small business with the commitment to spend at least $20 each. Published in Main Street Now magazine. Written by Andrea L. Dono.
Arts and Entertainment Districts
Explore benefits of and strategies for creating a vibrant arts and entertainment district in your downtown or neighborhood. Published in Main Street Now Journal.
Establishing a District Niche
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Haunted Happenings
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Conway, SC
New Media, New Advocacy
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Bainbridge, WA
Downtown Florence, South Carolina © True Light Photography
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