Program Information

In 1986, California joined a growing national movement to improve the quality of life in America's towns, cities and neighborhoods by reinvigorating the economic health of their historic Main Street central business districts. Developed by the National Trust for Historic Preservation more than 30 years ago and administered by the non-profit National Main Street Center of the National Trust for Historic Preservation, the Main Street Program has utilized a public-private partnership of private investment, local government support, and local non-profit assistance to revitalize historic commercial districts.  The locally driven, grass roots, self-help Main Street Four-Point Approach® focuses on organization, promotion, design, and economic restructuring.

While not every city, town or neighborhood engaged in revitalization seeks Main Street accreditation; many California commercial districts actively pursue the prestigious designation of California Main Street Community. A certified local Main Street program must meet stringent criteria set forth by California Main Street as well as complete an application and pass an on-site assessment.

California Main Street and California Main Street Alliance do not provide funding; they provide training, information, research, referral services, and technical assistance.