General Program Description 

The purpose of the commercial revitalization effort is to develop and implement a strategy for economic development and historic preservation in the downtown business district. There are four general work elements that guide this approach to downtown revitalization.

  • Organization of downtown interests in a unified manner working towards common end

  • objectives.

  • Approaching design issues, a means to create or preserve an attractive and sympathetic

  • physical setting, and using proper preservation techniques.

  • Coordination of promotional activities to attract new economic life and develop new vigor in the community.

  • Structuring of economic opportunities through reuse of existing buildings and underutilized space, attracting new business opportunities and development of viable marketplace enterprises.

 

Definition of Position

The Main Street Manager is responsible for analyzing, synthesizing and developing revitalization strategies and recommendations in consultation with the appropriate official and advisory bodies and coordinating their implementation to achieve project goals.

Duties to be Performed

  • Familiarizing public officials, retailers, community groups, the general public, etc., with the nature and orientation of this effort.

  • Interpreting previous studies and reports that analyze community resources and to develop a strategy for achieving revitalization goals. Developing a preservation plan for the restoration and reuse of historic buildings in the area.

  • Working cooperatively with the local community to develop and implement a local action plan and timetable including public and private activities.

  • Implementing local objectives through the development of revitalization tools, such as rehabilitation programs, existing state and federal funding sources and grant opportunities, administration procedures, political mechanisms, legal tools, etc., as appropriate.

  • Assisting individual merchants and property owners with design and construction of physical restoration projects.

  • Assisting and coordinating downtown promotional events/activities through the planning, design and implementation stages.

  • Developing economic strategies to increase retailing in the downtown, attracting new users into existing facilities and expanding market opportunities.

  • Preparing and maintaining a continuing record of the program through photographs (before and after) and/or slides, files on the building, business recruitment, promotions, monthly reports, etc.

  • Acting as a data and information source for this community.

  • Develop and maintain contacts with media sources to disseminate program information to the general public.

 

Position Qualifications

The Main Street Manager should have an undergraduate degree or related experience in a similar capacity. The Manager must understand the issues involved in commercial revitalization from the various points of view of merchants, public agencies, property owners and community organizations. The Manager must have writing ability and excellent verbal communication skills enabling the Manager to articulate local program goals in group situations and on a one-to-one basis. The Manager must be an energetic, self-motivated, imaginative and accomplished organizer capable of functioning effectively in an independent situation, while maintaining a sense of the overall goals of the commercial revitalization project.

 

Administrative Framework/Accountability

The Main Street Manager will work in the provided downtown office reporting directly to the city manager (or to the board), who will function as the supervisor of the project. The Main Street Manager will perform complex and responsible work and enjoy considerable latitude in discharging duties, exercising independent judgment and discretion in carrying out day-today responsibilities. The Manager will participate in budget preparation and other matters related to the program.

 

Attributes of a successful Main Street Manager

  • Be visually oriented.

  • Have a sense of entrepreneurship and be a self-starter.

  • Understand and be able to work with city government.

  • Have an ability to communicate, both individually and to groups.

  • Have an appreciation and understanding of community involvement.

  • Be success-oriented and a motivator.

  • Be smart and humble enough to accept and overcome areas in his or her background that are weak.

  • Be personable, persevering and patient.

 

Local Main Street Manager Responsibilities 

The local Main Street Program Manager has a variety of job functions. Major areas of responsibility include:

1. Coordinating activity of Main Street Program committees.

2. Managing administrative aspects of the program.

3. Developing, in conjunction with the Board, appropriate downtown revitalization strategies within the context of historic preservation.

4. Developing and conducting, in conjunction with the Board and organization committee, ongoing public awareness and education programs.

5. Assisting business and property owners with business and property improvement projects.

6. Encouraging a cooperative climate with other downtown or community organizations.

7. Helping to build productive relationships with appropriate public entities.

8. Developing and maintaining a data system to track the progress of the local program.

9. Serving as an advocate for downtown issues at local and state/city levels.

10. Working toward developing skills as a downtown management professional.

 

Related to teach of those major functions, the Program director has several more specific areas of responsibility. Those include:

Coordinating activity of Main Street Program committees

  • Ensure communication is established.

  • Assist with implementation of work plan.

  • Provide ongoing volunteer support and encouragement.

Managing administrative aspects of the program

  • Record keeping and accounting with assistance of Board treasurer.

  • Budget development (jointly with Board and/or president and treasurer).

  • Purchasing.

  • Preparing and filing reports.

  • Supervising other regular employees.

Developing, in conjunction with the Board, appropriate downtown revitalization strategies:

  •  Identification of unique assets and resources.

  • Identification of concerns and issues.

  • Development of a work plan that focuses on all four program areas.

Developing and conducting, in conjunction with the Board and organization committee, ongoing public awareness and education programs

  • Fostering public understanding of Main Street’s mission and goals.

  • Keeping the program in a positive light in the public eye.

  • Developing a cooperative relationship with the media.

Assisting business and property owners with business and property improvement projects

  • Providing ongoing communication, advice and guidance.

  • Coordinating technical services of state/city program.

  • Personal consulting or finding additional professional consultation as appropriate.

  • Providing contact information on available resources statewide.

Encouraging a cooperative climate with other downtown or community organizations

  • Building opportunities for partnership with the local Chamber of Commerce and/or other development organizations.

  • Identifying and maintaining contact with other key downtown/neighborhood organizations.

Developing and maintaining a data system to track the progress of the local program

  • Developing a data system on reinvestment in community.

  • Developing a data system on available properties.

  • Developing a data system on businesses, jobs and property owners.

Working toward developing skills as a downtown management professional

  • Attending all Texas Main Street Program training opportunities.

  • Attending any conferences or workshops on downtown revitalization.