On Tuesday, January 28, Missouri Main Street Connection Inc. (MMSC) hosted its annual Main Street Capitol Day in Jefferson City, bringing together over 15 Main Street communities from across the state. This event allowed local Main Street leaders, staff, and stakeholders to connect directly with Missouri’s legislators and share their success stories, all while advocating for continued support of the state’s historic downtown districts.
Representatives from communities such as Brookfield, Cape Girardeau, Chillicothe, Clinton, Fayette, Independence, Jackson, Joplin, Lebanon, Liberty, Marceline, Maryville, Sedalia, Sikeston, Warrensburg, and Washington attended the event.
Their goal was to provide legislators with educational information about the positive impacts that the Missouri Main Street network has had on local economies. These meetings highlighted how revitalizing historic downtown areas can lead to stronger local economies, thriving small businesses, and increased job creation.
Showcasing the Power of Revitalization
The Main Street programs across the state are based on a proven model called the Main Street Approach™, which focuses on preserving historic buildings while promoting economic growth. With support from MMSC, local Main Street communities have revitalized their downtown areas, making them vibrant spaces for businesses to grow and thrive. This approach is proving to be a valuable tool for economic development, especially in smaller communities.
Since implementing the Main Street Approach™, Missouri’s historic commercial districts have seen impressive results. As of the third quarter of 2024, these efforts have led to $84.8 million in private and public investments, the creation of 83 new businesses, and the development of 345 new jobs in Main Street districts. These figures demonstrate the economic power of revitalizing historic spaces, turning them into thriving hubs for both new and established businesses.
A Growing Ecosystem for Small Businesses
Missouri’s Main Street communities provide a supportive ecosystem for small businesses to succeed. Local programs guide entrepreneurs through the process of opening and maintaining businesses, from securing financing to attracting customers. This supportive environment helps ensure that businesses have the resources they need to grow and succeed, while also helping communities stay economically vibrant.
Local leaders are focused on creating long-term sustainability for their historic districts, ensuring that these areas remain attractive to both residents and visitors. The work done by local Main Street organizations is not just about short-term improvements—it’s about creating lasting change that benefits the entire community for years to come.
Legislative Support and Community Impact
MMSC State Director Gayla Roten emphasized the importance of local Main Street organizations in supporting small businesses and driving community growth. “Local Main Street organizations work diligently to support their local small businesses and create a positive influence on their community, establishing an environment for increased investment and economic growth,” said Roten.
She added that Missouri Main Street communities are making significant strides in revitalizing their historic districts, and the Capitol Day event provided an opportunity to share those achievements with lawmakers.
Capitol Day served as a reminder of the crucial role legislators play in supporting local Main Street programs. By meeting with stakeholders from across the state, lawmakers can gain a deeper understanding of the impact of these programs and the importance of continued investment in revitalizing historic districts. The event also gave local leaders the chance to discuss specific needs and advocate for policies that would support the ongoing success of Main Street communities.
Key Moments from Capitol Day
During the event, participants from Clinton Main Street, Sedalia Main Streets, and Downtown Lebanon Main Street were seen interacting with Missouri legislators, including Senator Sandy Crawford and Representative Brad Pollitt. They took the opportunity to share success stories from their communities, such as how revitalizing downtown areas has led to increased foot traffic, improved business outcomes, and new job opportunities.
The Main Street Capitol Day is not only a time to reflect on the past successes of the program, but it’s also a chance to set the stage for future growth. The ongoing partnership between local Main Street organizations and state legislators ensures that Missouri’s historic districts continue to thrive as key drivers of economic development.
Looking Ahead
As we move further into 2025, the success of Missouri’s Main Street programs continues to be a bright spot for communities across the state. The continued collaboration between local leaders and state legislators is essential to ensuring that these revitalization efforts remain a priority. With the support of MMSC and continued investment from both public and private sectors, Missouri’s Main Street communities will continue to be at the forefront of economic growth and development.
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