Advancing Equity in Historic Preservation: OUR COMMITMENT
MINNESOTA MAIN STREETS
What is Main Street?
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The Main Street Approach is a tried-and-true asset-based economic development program that uses historic preservation as a core strategy to revitalize downtowns.
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A thriving downtown has a powerful impact on a community—its people, its finances and its growth. Main Street is about revitalizing districts for the people who are living and working in them now. By providing trainings, resources, and technical assistance Rethos Main Streets helps towns and small cities maximize both their people and built assets for high quality design, organization, promotions, and economic vitality. Healthy downtowns make communities more vibrant, livable, and economically stable. By aiding communities in focusing on incremental, comprehensive, and high quality planning for revitalization, Minnesota Main Streets are able to help foster holistic and implementation focused plans for locals to tackle revitalization challenges, from events to built infrastructure, and make it easier to open and maintain small and local businesses.
Ultimately, a healthy Main Street is a visible sign of a healthy community.
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Minnesota Main Streets by Rethos is a Main Street America™ Coordinating Program.
As a Main Street America™ Coordinating Program, Minnesota Main Streets helps to lead a powerful, grassroots network consisting of over 40 Coordinating Programs and over 1,200 neighborhoods and communities across the country committed to creating high-quality places and to building stronger communities through preservation-based economic development.
Minnesota Main Streets by Rethos is financed in part with funds provided by the State of Minnesota from the Arts and Cultural Heritage Fund through the Minnesota Historical Society.
Main Street Communities
Minnesota Main Street Communities are part of a statewide and national network that provides support and resources for local revitalization efforts. Designated Accredited Communities adhere to a list of criteria set by the National Main Street Center. Explore our Designated Communities.
Albert Lea
Faribault
Lincoln Park Duluth
Mankato
Northfield
Olivia
Owatonna
Red Wing
Shakopee
Wabasha
Willmar
Winona
Associate and Network Communities
Affiliate and Network Communities have access to some of the resources and support that
Designated Communities do, but are in a more exploratory level of Main Streets or do not have a staff member facilitating their program.
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If your community is interested in Minnesota Main Street, reach out to emily@rethos.org.