Program Description
The California Main Street Program is dedicated to
assisting downtowns in undertaking significant revitalization.
The State and local programs work togeather laying the ground
work for long-term stability by preserving and building
upon the best of a city's human and physical resources.
"Main Street" is a revitalization strategy used in over 1,289 cities
and 43 states. Developed by the National Trust for Historic Preservation's
National Main Street Center, the program encourages imaginative use of
business and government resources to support local downtown revitalization efforts.
Monterey's goal is to organize and build a unified community effort to
revitalize and stimulate the City's downtown district. Emphasis is
placed on preserving the historical flavor, enhancing the existing
Spanish/Mexican and Italian influence. It is the Association's desire
to create a quality mix of retail, commercial, cultural, entertainment
and residential uses.
Monterey was selected as a "Main Street" City in 1992 based on the commitment
expressed by the Old Monterey merchants, property owners, City Government and
residents. The main Street Program views downtown revitalization wit ha basic
four-element approach incorporating promotion, economic restructuring,
design and organization.
The Main Street Project is funded through a downtown business assessment
based upon 25 percent of the business licence fee and the fundraising
efforts of the Association, and the City of Monterey.
The program empowers local leaders to better manage and strengthen the
business climate of downtown Monterey. Located within a 26 block downtown
core area, the Old Monterey Business Association includes more than 460 members.
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