History Of CA Program

Focused on enhancing the economic, social, cultural, and environmental well-being of historic and traditional commercial districts located in California's diverse cities, towns, and neighborhoods, California Main Street has helped communities build strong broad-based organizations to implement and manage the revitalization process. From 1986 to 2002, the California Main Street Program was administered by the California Technology, Trade and Commerce Agency and supported by State General Funds. In 2003, due to the budgetary crises, the Main Street Program was terminated when the California Technology, Trade and Commerce Agency was eliminated by the Budget Act.  

In August 2004, through the efforts of the California Main Street Alliance, the California Preservation Foundation, and the Californians for Preservation Action, as the result of Senate Bill 1107, signed by Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger, the Main Street Program was re-established, without funding or staffing, within the Office of Historic Preservation (OHP).

The California Main Street Alliance (CAMSA) has kept the Main Street Program active providing vital communication and training programs. Formed in 2002, this nonprofit organization coordinates the designated communities' annual reports and transmittal of aggregate figures to the National Main Street Center, provides resource information for all members, conducts training and workshop sessions, network meetings and other fee for service programs, and keeps members informed of the latest trends in downtown revitalization.