We share stories, spotlights, resources, and events to inspire transformation across Missouri. The Missouri Main Street Connection works to ensure that the downtown districts in Missouri’s cities and towns remain essential elements to their sense of community, their cultural heritage and to the state’s economy. Downtown revitalization is encouraged through economic development within the context of historic preservation. The primary purpose of a local Main Street® Program is to ensure the long-term success of the downtown by creating, educating, training and empowering a comprehensive, professional, volunteer-based downtown revitalization organization. The Missouri Main Street Connection assists communities in the development of a local organization that adopts the Main Street® principles and utilizes those principles daily. MMSC provides on-site consultation and technical assistance to local programs selected through an application process. Quarterly workshops and manager training sessions are also utilized to prepare local Main Street groups for a wide range of revitalization efforts. Results of this comprehensive effort include small business development, strengthening existing businesses, job creation, commercial district revitalization which encompasses façade renovations and restorations, streetscape and infrastructure improvements, and cultural events to enhance tourism development, all of which result in a renewed confidence in Missouri’s downtowns.
