California Main Streets - State Program Update

OHP TO ADMINISTER MAIN STREET PROGRAM

The California Main Street Program will be administered by the State Office of Historic Preservation as a result of recent legislation. Through the efforts of the California Main Street Association and the Californians for Preservation Action, the Main Street provision was included in Senate Bill 107, signed by Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger on 16 August 2004.

The California Main Street Program was located in the Technology, Trade and Commerce Agency for almost 17 years until 2002 budgetary cutbacks removed all state funding, effectively shutting down the successful program. Developed by the National Trust for Historic Preservation's National Main Street Center, the program provides technical assistance and training for small cities and communities to enhance the economic revitalization and development of traditional central business districts and neighborhoods.

"I am very pleased to receive this major economic and preservation program in our office," said State Historic Preservation Officer Milford Wayne Donaldson, FAIA, who was appointed by the Governor to his position in April. "Although the California Main Street program comes without state funding, I am confident that necessary funds can be found to energize the program," Donaldson said. "The much wanted assistance provided to local communities and property owners needs to continue."

California presently has 58 Main Street Program participants including cities such as Arcata, Oceanside, Salinas, Hanford, Grass Valley and San Diego. Encinitas and Paso Robles received two of five nationwide awards at this year's National Main Street Conference in New Mexico, hosted by the Albuquerque Main Street Program, the National Main Street Association, and the National Trust for Historic Preservation.

For more information, contact Steade R. Craigo, FAIA, in the Office of Historic Preservation at (916) 651-7149 or by email at scrai@ohp.parks.ca.gov.