News from Main Street Alabama

Fall 2017

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Registration for

Quarterly Training Now Open

“Main Street is economic development within the context of historic preservation.” That statement, by itself, can be confusing to some and even intimidating to others. Throw in data, statistics and math, and the path to successful economic development strategies can appear even more daunting. Even communities and individuals who recognize the importance of the Economic Vitality Point of the Main Street Four Point Approach® can struggle in their efforts to plan and execute an effective Economic Vitality strategy and, in fact, many local Main Street staff members and volunteers enter the arena without a formal economic development pedigree.

More information and registration

Main Street Alabama's Design Guidelines Recognized

Main Street Alabama was awarded the Franklin M. Setzer Outstanding Urban Design Project Award during the 2017 Alabama Planning Association Conference. We are thrilled to offer these guidelines to all Alabama downtowns and neighborhood commercial districts through the generous support of the Alabama State Council on the Arts.

Download our Downtown Design Guidelines

Mary's Minute

My favorite time of the year is the Awards for Excellence on Main Street ceremony that is held in conjunction with our annual Downtown LAB – Main Street Alabama Conference. The awards program was developed to recognize excellence in all areas of the Main Street Four Point Approach ®. We recognize the best volunteers, partner organizations and projects of the state’s local Main Street organizations. Local Main Street organizations are encouraged to nominate high-quality projects, outstanding volunteers and partner organizations that are worthy of state-level recognition.

Placemaking on Main Update

- Marylon Barkan

Since Main Street Alabama was selected by Main Street America as a pilot program for Placemaking on Main, our communities have committed to the concept and are using it to create change in their downtowns. Projects ranging from the Lighter, Quicker, Cheaper philosophy to infrastructure and pocket parks are demonstrating something new is afoot and changing the narrative for Alabama's downtowns. These projects have become both cornerstones for local programs and catalysts for creating vibrant places. View our video below to experience a small sampling of the exceptional work that is happening across the state. Get excited about placemaking - it's authentic, relevant and happening in a downtown near you.

Community engagement projects, like the one above in Carbon Hill, continue to pull together groups ready to implement change in their downtowns.

Network Communities

are on the move!

- Trisha Black

From the Main Street Music Festival in Albertville, to the Strand Theater renovation in Atmore, and farmers markets in between, great things are happening in Network communities throughout the state.