MAIN STREET PROGRAM

The National Trust created the Main Street Program for Historic Preservation in 1980 as a means for bringing back older commercial districts, which were financially suffering due to the proliferation of shopping malls, and big box retail stores. There are now over 1,650 Main Street Communities throughout the country using the four-point approach to improving their central business districts. The Main Street Program has been incredibly successful making it one o the most powerful economic development tools in the nation. Since 1980, $16.1 billion in public and private funds have bee reinvested in Main Street districts, meaning that, for every $1 invested Main Street organization, almost $40 has been reinvested as a result. As in the case of Canoga Park, the Main Street Program is one of the best examples of an effective public-private partnership. It demonstrates that government cannot bring about economic revitalization without the involvement of all members in the community.

But Main Street is more than dollars. A major objective is bringing back a sense of community by creating a pedestrian friendly commercial district with an eclectic assortment of entertainment and shopping options. It means seeing familiar faces and getting to know the merchants in your community in a city the size of Los Angeles, this re-creation of a “sense of place” and community and differentiation one neighborhood from another is particularly important.

Canoga Park and Pacoima are the firs and only communities in Los Angeles to be certified by the State of California Main Street Communities. Canoga Park received this designation because of the large public investment being made and the desire of residents, merchants, property owner, and other stakeholder groups to work together in bringing about he revitalization of the entire community. While the City is involved in physical improvements, Main Street addresses the more intangible aspects of economic development such as cooperative marketing among merchants, holding special events to attract more customers, attracting and retaining businesses, making sure that good design and planning principles are being followed, and organizing the community in all these efforts.

MSCP MISSION STATEMENT

Main Street Canoga Park will create a thriving commercial district by developing an inclusive Main Street organization that reflects neighborhood and business diversity, builds upon the area’s arts, culture and history and strengthens ad attracts neighborhood-serving and destination businesses.

MSCP OBJECTIVES

Support and promote a thriving arts and antiques district.

Create a pedestrian-friendly commercial area through an ongoing landscape and maintenance program and support the City’s streetscape improvement project, which includes the installation of street furniture and trees, pedestrian lighting and public art.

Improve the “curb appeal” of the retail district through façade improvements and following good design principles.
Ensure the Main Street Canoga Park continues as an inclusive organization with the participation of all community stakeholders, i.e. business and property owners, residents, non-profit organizations and City and State representative.

MSCP PROGRAM

The Main Street Program offers a four-point approach to commercial revitalization. There four points each of which has a committee of volunteers formed to carry out its purpose are:

1. Design of the physical appearance of the street.
2. Organization, recruitment and training of community volunteers.
3. Promotion of retail activities, special events and marketing campaigns
4. Economic restructuring to retain and expand existing businesses and to attract additional commercial activities.