Follows the Main Street Four-Point Approach™ and Eight Guiding Principles
Has an overall community vision for the downtown
Promotes regular membership turnover on the Main Street (DDA) Board
Encourages effective leadership on the Main Street (DDA) Board
Upholds a strong historic preservation ethic
Supports a broad community involvement of the four Main Street Committees
Works cooperatively with and avoids duplication of effort by other downtown organizations
Realizes that downtown revitalization is not a function of city government only
Endorses program autonomy as allowed under DDA law
Encourages long-term planning for the downtown by the Main Street (DDA) Board
Ensures downtown needs are adequately addressed in local master plans and zoning ordinances
Has strong committee work plans and volunteer performance
Makes certain that there are an adequate number of committee volunteers to implement program tasks/activities
Has committed leadership/chairs on the four Main Street committees
Has dedicated leadership/job performance by the Main Street Manager/DDA Executive Director
Assures the responsibility of directing the efforts of downtown revitalization is given to more than one person or organization (i.e., a DDA Executive Director and a Main Street Manager)
Values communication between the Main Street Manager/DDA Executive Director and the downtown property/business owners
Emphasizes communication with city administration and city leaders
Establishes/maintains effective relationships with other economic development programs at the local, county, state or federal levels
Adheres to realistic expectations of the results: comprehensive/incremental versus short-term/big fix
Main Street (DDA) Board promotes delegation of programs/tasks/activities to the four Main Street committees and volunteers
Does not operate as a staff-driven program
Encourages staff longevity
Transcends political change
Plans for potential crisis management
Takes advantage of and attends regular training offered to Main Street Board of Directors, Executive Director, Four Point® Committee Chairs/members, and volunteers
Has strongly written DDA/Main Street organization by-laws and recommends compliance with them by the board
Has well defined and realistic job descriptions for staff, board, and committee volunteers
Does not micro-manage the staff and/or the work planning process
Controls their own DDA/Main Street budget as to the degree allowed
SOURCES: National Main Street Center, Main Street Iowa, New Hampshire Main Street,
Main Street Oklahoma and Main Street Oakland County (2000- 2010)
