There is strong evidence that a locality’s economic health connects directly to its physical beauty, opportunities for socializing and openness to all people. Where can you start to make a difference for your community’s best future? Start downtown!

The Main Street Approach™ offers a practical, adaptable framework for downtown transformation that you can tailor to local conditions. To explore how to utilize the Main Street Approach for impacts and outcomes, start with the essentials, the Virginia Main Street Essentials series.

Design supports a community’s transformation by enhancing the physical and visual assets that set the commercial district apart – celebrating historic character and creating an inviting, inclusive atmosphere.

Highlight: Placemaking is a buzzword nowadays, but there’s a reason – it references strengthening the connection between people and the places they share. Placemaking generally refers to a process of planning and designing public spaces to contribute to a community’s health, happiness and well-being with community-based participation.

Project for Public Spaces is a helpful resource for understanding and exploring the opportunities!