The Main Street Approach™ was developed the National Trust for Historic Preservation. Since 1980, the National Trust for Historic Preservation through the National Main Street Center (also known as Main Street America) has been teaching downtown revitalization principles that developed through a pilot program they launched in 1977. These principles are comprehensive in nature and carefully integrated into four points: Design, Organization, Promotion, and Economic Vitality. These points form committees that conduct the operations and activities of a local Main Street organization. Learn more about the Main Street Approach™ on our programs and trainings page or from Main Street America.