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The Main Street Approach offers community-based revitalization initiatives with a practical, adaptable framework for downtown transformation that is easily tailored to local conditions. The Main Street Approach helps communities get started with revitalization and grows with them over time.
Communities interested in getting started in implementing and forming a Main Street program can begin the process by applying and participating in the Candidate program. Candidate-designated programs spend one year building their organizational structure and learning about the Four-Point Main Street Approach.
The Candidate level is intended to help programs understand the basics and become integrated with the Wyoming Main Street network through participation in regular activities. Your Wyoming Business Council regional director plays a crucial role in advising you through the process, and should be your first connection as you consider or undergo the Candidate program. Once your year in the Candidate program is complete, you are encouraged to move up to the Affiliate level.
Affiliate programs are those practicing the Four Points of Main Street, but are not yet ready for accreditation. This level is intended to help programs build their capacity to become accredited and address any challenges or barriers that pertain to practicing the comprehensive approach.
The Affiliate level provides a variety of technical services, which are listed below in the menu of services. The program now also includes a milestone based process, in which you will be checking in with your regional director and/or state staff every 6 months to determine your progress and address needs.
This level is intended to prepare communities to become Accredited in 4 years, during which time you’ll be working on the regular/annual requirements below, in addition to the milestones. These milestones are primarily based on the Accreditation Standards set forth by Main Street America. The Accreditation Standards document will be a regular resource and roadmap to refer back to throughout the Affiliate program. Programs need to be ready to achieve Accreditation at the end of 4 years in the program.
Accredited programs are those performing and designated at the highest level possible within the Main Street network. These programs are not only practicing the 4 points of Main Street, but ensuring robust community engagement, strong partnerships, and showing the impact of their program in the downtown. Accreditation is accomplished by mature downtown development organizations that prioritize community engagement and sustainability.
To be an Accredited program, communities must first go through the Candidate and Affiliate levels before being considered for Accredited designation.
Access the Accreditation Standards Self Assessment tool here.