28/02/2025
In the second of three blogs on rural Main Street revitalization, I surveyed community strategies nationally and in California: the role of downtown associations, the Main Street America program, and entrepreneurship training in revitalization efforts.
https://ucanr.edu/blogs/CEDEasternSierra/
I read through the policy and management literature and interviewed experts in the field. Three more key findings emerged:
4. Community-driven downtown associations are often the driving force behind revitalization.
5. The Main Street America program has been a valuable framework and network to elevate local efforts and secure funding.
6. Connecting entrepreneurship training to revitalization efforts proved successful in several rural communities.
Check it out. Let me know what you think.
https://ucanr.edu/blogs/CEDEasternSierra/
Stay tuned for the last part of the series, where I’ll explore possible actions for local communities.
PS
It was an exciting week for Inyo County. The Planning Department led a series of infill housing development workshops and the region kicked off a regional housing needs assessment with ESCOG BAE and other stakeholders.
Mammoth Lakes Chamber of Commerce
Bishop Chamber Of Commerce
Eastern Sierra Business Resource Center - BRC
Lee Vining Chamber of Commerce
Sierra Business Council
Northern Mono Chamber of Commerce - Walker, Coleville & Topaz California Main Street CSU Bakersfield Small Business Development Center (SBDC) California Association for Local Economic Development Eastern Sierra Interpretive Association Explore Bridgeport California High Sierra Energy Foundation Inyo County, California Mono County Tourism Eastern Sierra Community Housing
Main Street Bishop, photos by Aaron Wilcher