Newsweek’s  recent coverage of the ongoing turnaround of Vineland, New Jersey’s historic commercial district demonstrates the value of a coordinated approach to downtown revitalization. Their strategy involves increasing access to capital and technical assistance for emerging businesses, public and private re-investment in the rehabilitation of historic buildings, and community engagement in a downtown district.  Sound familiar?

Read the article, “How to Save Main Street,” for a little inspiration. Pass along the profile of this Main Street comunity to potential community partners.  What strategies are they putting to work that haven’t fully been enlisted in your town?

New Jersey is not unique in its approach. The Virginia Department of Housing and Community Development’s Office of Community Revitalization and Development offers a suite of tools that can be put to work in your traditional or historic commercial district.  Use the links below to learn more, or contact your Virginia Main Street staff to explore them further.

Virginia Enterprise Zones
Virginia Enterprise Initiative
Virginia Individual Development Accounts
Virginia Main Street