From 1985 to 2012, Kansas communities participating in the Main Street America program generated over $600 million in redevelopment, opening 3,800 new businesses and creating 8,600 jobs, according to the Kansas Department of Commerce. This investment revitalized downtown districts and fostered significant local economic activity.
Achieving Main Street America Accreditation requires substantial, ongoing commitment and adherence to strict standards. However, this rigorous process consistently delivers significant, measurable economic revitalization for participating communities.
Communities embracing the demanding framework of the Main Street America Accreditation Program will likely see substantial, long-term economic and social benefits. Those avoiding this commitment may struggle to achieve similar downtown revitalization.
What Defines Main Street America Accreditation?
Main Street America Accreditation requires specific operational baselines. Communities must establish a representative Board of Directors and employ a dedicated program director. This director works full-time for populations over 5,000, or at least 20 hours weekly for smaller towns, according to Main Street America. Further requirements include a Transformation Strategy, detailed annual work plans, a dedicated operational budget, demonstrated municipal support, reinvestment statistics, and an annual report. These rigorous demands establish a structured foundation, ensuring effective and sustainable revitalization efforts are not just aspirational, but systematically pursued.
Sustaining Excellence Through Ongoing Commitment
Becoming a Designated Kansas Main Street community involves a competitive annual process, including a workshop and a Review Team recommendation, reports the Kansas Department of Commerce. This competitive entry ensures only genuinely committed communities participate. Maintaining accreditation demands continuous adherence to performance standards, an annual Community Self-Assessment, an onsite Community Progress visit, and required reporting, according to Main Street America. This continuous engagement ensures that designation is earned through consistent performance, not merely granted, driving sustained improvement.
