Main Street Monroe has been designated as an accredited Main Street America program for meeting rigorous performance standards set by the National Main Street Center. Each year, the National Main Street Center and its partners announce the list of accredited Main Street America programs to recognize their exemplary commitment to preservation-based economic development and community revitalization through the Main Street Approach.
We are proud to acknowledge this year's 840 nationally accredited Main Street America programs that have worked tirelessly to strengthen their communities. said Patrice Frey, President & CEO of the National Main Street Center.
These programs deserve recognition for generating impressive economic returns, preserving community character, and celebrating local history. Main Street America Accredited communities are part of a powerful movement of changemakers, and their dedication to improving quality of life in the places they call home is inspiring.
In 2018 alone, Main Street America programs generated $4.93 billion in local reinvestment, helped open 5,310 net new businesses, generated 25,301 net new jobs, catalyzed the rehabilitation of 8,146 historic buildings, and clocked 2.2 million volunteer hours.
The Main Street Monroe performance is annually evaluated by Louisiana Main Street, which works in partnership with the National Main Street Center to identify the local programs that meet ten national performance standards. Evaluation criteria determines the communities that are building comprehensive and sustainable revitalization efforts and include standards such as fostering strong public-private partnerships, documenting programmatic progress.
The Downtown Monroe Alliance (DMA) is a 501c3 non-profit that was formed to assist the Downtown Economic Development District Board (DEDD) in their efforts as a comprehensive organized approach to downtown development.
Each year DMA develops and executes a plan to make downtown Monroe the vibrant heart of the city through marketing, promotions, business development, and design. Hosting several events annually, DMA has seen increased attendance in visitors to the downtown area. A domino effect has occurred with downtown development, produced by events and projects. Many are working to make a difference, and an environment for development has been nurtured. DMA also manages the Mainstreet Monroe Program.
A review of 2018
- Developed a stylish downtown commercial providing a snapshot of what we have to offer.
- Conducted a jingle contest, with local duo
- Porcelain People producing the winning jingle, providing a great soundtrack for videos and commercials.
- Other marketing tools include a downtown t-shirt designed by Jason Byron Nelson and table tents with a calendar of events that were distributed to restaurants.
- Continued to build a texting database to further marketing efforts.
- Partnered with Kansas City Southern on the Holiday Express providing organization, live music, vendors, volunteers and bathrooms for the 3000 that attended.
- Hosted 3 concerts and piano bar in downtown bringing more people downtown after 5.
- Developed 3rd Street Park by adding picnic tables, lighting, landscaping, information kiosk, and statue restoration to a previously unused green space.
- Applied and received Louisiana Main Street Lighter, Quicker, Cheaper Grant to assist 3rd Street Park project.
- Conducted business survey to determine needs and gather info for successful development.
- Hosted DoMo BrewFest bringing people from outside the area and providing a fundraiser for ongoing projects.
ABOUT MAIN STREET AMERICA
Main Street America has been helping revitalize older and historic commercial districts for more than 35 years. Today, it is a network of more than 1,600 neighborhoods and communities, rural and urban, who share both a commitment to place and to building stronger communities through preservation-based economic development. Since 1980, communities participating in the program have leveraged more than $79.12 billion in new public and private investment, generated 640,017 net new jobs and 143,613 net new businesses, and rehabilitated more than 284,936 buildings. Main Street America is a program of the nonprofit National Main Street Center, a subsidiary of the National Trust for Historic Preservation.