Alabama Main Street Program

Main Street is a proven, powerful tool for small town economic development. It is a highly focused, long-term, incremental program that capitalizes on the unique character of historic downtowns.  Created and trademarked by the National Trust for Historic Preservation, it has over 25 years of success in more than 2,000 communities nationwide. 

Currently 14 Alabama communities are using the Main Street Four Points Approach ® to invest in existing infrastructure, create new jobs and retain and attract businesses.  They are returning long vacant buildings to the tax rolls and bringing shoppers downtown. And just as important,  they are engaging their citizens in creating stronger communities.

Program Status
                                           
For close to 25 years the Alabama Historical Commission (AHC) served as the state Main Street coordinating program, providing guidance, support, services and essential certification to existing Main Street towns. State budget cuts in 2003 and 2004 resulted in loss of staff and funding for Main Street at the state level.

Program Study

An effort is underway to create a strong statewide program in time for the Alabama Department of Tourism's 2010 Year of Small Towns and Downtowns.

In early 2009, the AHC contracted with the National Trust Main Street Center to recommend an institutional home and sustainable funding sources for a revitalized statewide Main Street Coordinating program. 

The goal is to re-establish a stronger program that can match the investment and success rates of neighboring state Main Street Programs. It also seeks to link Main Street to other Alabama programs that focus on strengthening small towns.

Program Study Status

For information about the study, see the links below

• Alabama Main Street Steering Committee

• Alabama Main Street Partners

• Southeastern State Program Profiles

• Focus group report

• Final report

Frequently Asked Questions

How can Alabama communities participate in the Alabama Main Street Program?

The Alabama Main Street Program is not currently accepting new communities into the program. It is providing very limited assistance to the 14 communities currently using the Main Street Four Points Approach®. 

What other organizations help small towns?

Your Town Alabama, Alabama Communities of Excellence, Auburn University Urban Studio-Small Town Design Initiative, Auburn University Economic and Community Development Institute; Design Alabama, and  University of Alabama Center for Economic Development