what makes a great downtown? AT THE CT MAIN STREET CENTER WE BELIEVE THAT TOGETHER, THESE 6 ELEMENTS CREATE VIBRANT, SUSTAINABLE DOWNTOWNS.
PLACE
Authentic Main Streets take advantage of unique historic buildings, and facilitate fun for residents & visitors through events, public art, and creating dynamic uses for spaces like alleyways, sidewalks and even parking spaces.
CONNECTIVITY Healthy downtowns offer many ways for people of all ages & abilities to get around. Vibrant Main Streets are walkable, bikeable & connected to buses & other forms of transit, all surrounded by interesting development.
ECONOMIC VITALITY Studies show that money spent downtown, stays downtown. Supporting local businesses, offering a diversity of housing choices & cultivating innovation enable our downtowns to be leaders in creating jobs and economic vitality.
Great downtowns don’t just happen. They’re carefully crafted by volunteers, local stakeholders, downtown professionals and municipal officials who who care passionately about their community. CMSC helps these dedicated stewards recognize and address these 6 key areas through our educational programs, local assistance, and championing downtown-friendly regulations and policies.