Making (and measuring) an impact
Although not a quick fix, investment in downtown revitalization pays off. The average Main Street district, despite representing only 2 percent of municipal land area, generates 6 percent of property tax revenue and supports 14 percent of retail spending, 21 percent of restaurant spending and 27 percent of hospitality room nights. Read More
Getting started with Main Street
What it means to be a Wisconsin Main Street community. Read More
Local impact, infinite reach
As we wrap up the 30th anniversary year of the Wisconsin Main Street program, we reflect on the extensive network of people and places that have encountered the program over the past three decades. Read More
Wisconsin’s Main Street entrepreneurs gear up for Small Business Saturday
Independently owned local businesses in Wisconsin are gearing up for Small Business Saturday on Nov. 24. Read More
Engaging board members
The third part in this month's series examines ways to keep board members engaged and excited about leading your organization. Read More
Evolve to leadership
Researchers on modern volunteerism have identified societal changes that impact volunteer management. Read about a new volunteer management approach to match these shifts. Read More
Organization culture sets the tone
The Four Dimensions of Sustainable Impact suggest that every organization needs an intentional focus on strategy, brand, leadership and culture. Read More
Downtown revitalization: Testing the market
Sometimes significant community interest in a particular use exists, but sufficient market information to support private sector investment in the project may be lacking. In these instances, market studies or site planning efforts can help define the scope of the opportunity and facilitate profitable projects. Read More
“Magic bullets” for downtown revitalization
There is no one-size-fits-all answer for downtown revitalization, but some best practices are broadly applicable in determining the best solution for your community, and the best starting point for downtown revitalization in any community is the one supported by the people who live there. Read More
65 ways to get started with downtown revitalization
If you’re just getting started with downtown revitalization and lacking inspiration, here are 65 ideas to help get started. Read More
Promotion the Main Street America™ Way
This post unpacks downtown development promotion, particularly the purpose of events and events as fundraisers. Read More
Creating a dementia-friendly physical environment
Many communities are working to make their buildings and streetscapes more navigable for people with dementia. Here are some of the ways that communities and businesses are making physical changes to become more dementia-friendly. Read More