The Texas Main Street Program — “The Texas Main Street Program, part of the Texas Historical Commission's Community Heritage Development Division, helps Texas cities revitalize their historic downtowns and neighborhood commercial districts by utilizing preservation and economic development strategies. The program began in 1981 and is affiliated with the National Trust for Historic Preservation. The Texas Main Street Program is among the most successful downtown revitalization programs in the nation, and has assisted more than 140 Texas cities through the program. The program has resulted in the private reinvestment of more than $1.3 billion in Texas downtowns and neighborhood commercial districts, the creation of more than 23,000 jobs and the establishment of more than 5,900 new businesses.”

The Main Street Program — “The Main Street Program is downtown revitalization within the context of historic preservation. The Taylor Main Street Program will support the redevelopment of the downtown area through historic preservation, education, economic development and heritage tourism.”

Case Study, Texas: Georgetown - The 1982 application by the city planner to join the Main Street program resulted in full backing from city leaders and almost immediate support of the local community. Early and long lasting support from local banks and businesses helped to ensure the public support which program officials deem absolutely crucial for success. At the initiative of the city manager and with help from The Downtown Georgetown Society and the Georgetown Heritage Society, local banks and savings and loan institutions were negotiated with to provide below market interest loans and establish a $100,000 loan pool to provide owners access to capital for improvements to the exteriors of their buildings. Within about four years of beginning the program, about 85% of the building stock in downtown had been improved or rehabbed. Georgetown now also offers free architectural consultations, design assistance, business training, and economic development consultations to businesses. The Georgetown program does face challenges. The longevity of the program requires ongoing and sometimes difficult maintenance of the public’s idea of the importance of the program. Fundraising and a shortage of volunteer staff often pose challenges, and competition from robust national chains creates difficulties for local merchants. Sources/References: Graduate student paper on file with Dr. Robert Paterson of UT Austin, personal communication with Shelly Hargrove, Director of Georgetown Main Street program.

Case Study, National: Hartsville, South Carolina - The Downtown Development Association (DDA) formed as a small group of citizens interested in downtown renewal and incorporated as a 501(c)3 nonprofit in 1986. The DDA remained independent of city government, choosing instead to maintain their freedom to disagree and make requests of the city manager and council. Funding comes from private individuals, businesses, and fundraising events. The DDA used the four point approach and focused on recruiting businesses to open downtown, and putting on annual events to attract people. The DDA has also been very influential in the realm of streetscape and design, emphasizing beautification spots, signage, garbage receptacles, and stylized streetlights to project an image of a quaint but prosperous city. Despite the presence of a new Wal-Mart on the edge of town, several new businesses have opened downtown and a number of new condominium units have been constructed downtown. Locals and visitors have been successfully drawn to the downtown area through several annual events. As a result of these successes, the DDA’s downtown plan has been included in the updated comprehensive city plan required by the state. The DDA is faced with challenges in the form of shortages of funding and staff. The director of the DDA also points to a lack of support from the city manager and the lack of a vision of downtown as important to the community at large as significant difficulties for the association’s efforts. Sources/References: Graduate student paper on file with Dr. Robert Paterson of UT Austin, personal communication with Judi Elvington, Director of Hartsville Downtown Development Association.