Small Towns Prioritize Main Street for Economic and Population Growth

Cinnamon Janzer reports on a "renewed nationwide focus on small-town downtowns and Main Streets," exploring the recent planning work of Bozeman, Montana as a primary example.

Bozeman in April approved the Downtown Bozeman Improvement Plan, Janzer reports, which employs five principles to achieve desired population and economic growth: "maintaining downtown as the heart of Bozeman — yet focusing on more than just the Main Street Historic District. Ensuring that downtown is walkable and accessible. Designing downtown to be welcoming to everyone. And connecting it to both nature and culture."

Other examples are readily available, Janzer notes: "North Dakota’s newest governor ran on a platform that centered on a Main Street Initiative with the slogan “Putting Main Street to Work” at its helm. The tiny town of Water Valley, Mississippi (population 3,362), began an effort to revitalize its Main Street in 2016 that included restoring historic buildings and turning vacant buildings into new businesses."