Traditionally, a community's downtown has been an important community representation. It has stood over time as the epicenter of government, finance, retail and commercial activity, as well as public life. Every portion of the town’s population has a vital share in the economic health of the downtown.  So today, as our small towns and main streets are threatened by box stores and malls, it is important to reinforce the principles and factors that make a downtown valuable.
 

EVERYONE BENEFITS FROM THE...

* Community economic health
* Local quality of life
* Local pride
* Partnership between private and public sectors
* Physical, historical and cultural heritage
* Community identity
 

Downtown Property Owners
Increased occupancy rates
Stable or higher rents
Development opportunities
Greater return on initial property investment
Improved municipal services
Protection of property values
Improved marketability of property
Access to grants, loan programs and tax credits

Downtown Professionals
Location with improved, higher quality image
Location near government buildings
Increased exposure to potential new clients
An existing customer base

Downtown Retail Merchants
Expanded customer base
More sales
Upgrades retail environment
More opportunities for business growth
More opportunities for independent businesses
Less financial risk
Incubator for new businesses
Shared responsibility for retail success

Chamber/Merchant Groups
Healthier overall business climate
Potential new member businesses

County Government
Increased property tax base
Protection of property values

Residents of the Community
Protection of property values
Overall economy
Local accessibility to goods and services
Reduced loss of youth
More employment opportunities
Increased opportunity for social interaction
Preservation of civic gathering space
More opportunities for volunteerism

Youth
Local employment and business opportunities
More happening in the community
More places to go and things to do
Sense of "having roots" and "belonging"

Senior Citizens
Convenient location for goods and services
Safer, more secure environment
Preservation of community history
Preservation of personal memories

Businesses Outside of the Core Downtown
Increased visitor traffic to the community
Increased business through a healthier economy
More dollars from locally owned businesses
Improved municipal services
Opportunity for cross promotion
Jobs created
More business from local rehabilitation projects