Community Empowerment
Service Grant

Announce the grant award to the community and engage community members.

Local stakeholders come together for a town hall to learn more about the Community Empowerment Grant their community received. This is the start of the grant services where input is gathered to form Wildly Important Goals that shape future conversations and engage more community members in the revitalization process by learning about the Main Street Approach™. Pictured is Grain Valley, MO.

Gather past studies, evaluate demographic information, and asset mapping.

Survey work is facilitated by Missouri Main Street Connection with local stakeholders to gather additional community input. MMSC staff review findings from past studies to build upon previously established work; demographic information to evaluate and understand the makeup and identity of the community, and business information to start asset mapping. Pictured is Milan, MO.

Build a strong leadership group to guide and implement changes in downtown.

Community members assemble to learn about becoming local Main Street board members and committee members. This service is focused on developing the volunteers of the Main Street program, which is vital to ensure it continues to grow. Those who attend learn the roles and responsibilities of Main Street board members and committee members. The Board of Directors of a Main Street program is different from other Board of Directors as it is a working board that diligently works to fulfill the mission of the organization. Pictured is Gallatin, MO.

Using the data gathered, determine possible priorities for downtown development and revitalization.

Community members gather to review the data collected from their survey work and work with MMSC staff to identify customized strategies that the forming organization will utilize to make a positive change on their historic district and community. Through listening to the voices of the community and utilizing market-driven data, the work that the Board of Directors will, over time, create a thriving place for all. Picture is Salisbury, Mo.

Dive into the Main Street Approach™ and begin identifying projects for implementation.

Board and committee members dive into the Main Street Approaches™ four points and look at potential projects that align with their identified strategies and each point. This process is important to help share the work amongst all volunteering members of the new organization, utilize the strengths of each individual, and continue to grow in understanding of the four points. Pictured is Vienna, MO.

Start creating action plans for the identified projects and funding options.

Board and committee members begin to practice the Main Street discipline of action planning. By utilizing action plans, also called work plans, board members and committee members can work together in groups to accomplish identified projects and recruit funding and partners. Pictured is Carrollton, MO.

People are one of the most valuable assets of a Main Street program.

The board and committees are provided with information on further growing their organization through recruiting more volunteers. Community engagement is essential to a successful Main Street program. Tools and resources are provided to establish a base of volunteers, partnerships, and leaders that will continue to drive forward the vision for the district. Pictured is Brookfield, MO.

Specialized technical service based upon strategy and projects.

The last and final service of the grant is a customized service that brings Main Street professionals to the district to work with the board, committee, and community stakeholders at cap stoning their progress over the past two years. This service is adaptable and includes branding, building renderings, streetscapes, alley activation and more. Pictured is West Plains, MO.