Business & Economic Development

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Main Street Program Benefits

Here are some of the benefits for communities participating in the Clackamas County Main Street Program.

Preservationists/Historians

• Main Street Approach™ reinforces common goal of preservation
• Increases coalition
• Increases awareness of historic properties
• Public education
• Improved image
• Improved economic feasibility of preservation

Business Owners

• Image building and improvement
• Pride in downtown
• New/renewed/repeated exposure
• Increased variety of services
• Healthier economy generates new and more business opportunities
• Increased competition means more aggressive business styles tapping leakage
• Increased population, new costumers
• Improved image, creates new market
• Technical assistance and services

Property Owners

• Increased occupancy rates
• Reduced number of vacant storefronts
• Rent stability
• Increased property values
• Vandalism and crime deterrent
• Assistance with tax credits, grants, loan programs, design, and co-op maintenance
• Improved image of downtown
• Communication medium with other property owners
• New uses on upper floors

Local Residents/Consumers

• Enhanced marketplace
• Sense of pride in downtown
• Social and cultural activities
• Opportunities to keep families in town
• Sense of hometown community
• Historical awareness
• Opportunity to participate and volunteer
• Better communication within the community

City Government

• Identifies and preserves downtown
• Increases tax base
• Increases tourism opportunities
• Increases property values
• Increased number of jobs
• Better goals and vision for downtown
• Healthier economy
• Better services available
• Positive perception of downtown and community
• Better relations between City Hall and private sector
• Impetus for public improvements and grant dollars
• Increased volunteer base for city
• Education resources for city leaders on planning and economic development
• Heritage preservation
• Help with parking issues
• Quality in main street public improvements