The National Main Street Center is a program of the National Trust for Historic Preservation. Created by a Congressional Charter in 1949, the National Trust is a leading advocate of historic preservation in the United States. Today, the preservation movement involves more than just saving historic buildings; economic growth, urban revitalization, and the creation of new jobs are all issues the National Trust addresses through the rehabilitation of historic structures.
Established by the National Trust in 1980, the National Main Street Center (NMSC) has worked in 44 states and Puerto Rico. Through these efforts 226,900 net new jobs have been created, $16.1 billion have been reinvested in Main Street commercial districts, 56,300 net new businesses have been created, 88,700 buildings have been rehabilitated, and 1,668 communities have built strong organizations to revitalize their commercial districts.
The NMSC offers a professional membership program for organizations involved in commercial district revitalization. It produces publications, newsletters, and special reports on revitalization and preservation issues and serves as a clearinghouse for information on community redevelopment issues. The NMSC accomplishes its mission through the Main Street Four-Point Approach: design, organization, promotion, and economic restructuring.
Board members and volunteers support Committees that utilize The Four-Point Approach and guidelines designed by the National Main Street Center to offer businesses technical resources that stimulate business revitalization.
Economic Vitality – The Economic Vitality Committee offers existing and new small businesses retail improvement grants, consultation services, technical assistance, and networking opportunities to attract innovation and investment partners.
Design – The Design Committee provides urban renewal expertise to unify and brand TPMS businesses through façade improvements and streetscapes that elevate the appeal and vibrancy of the business corridors while maintaining their unique characteristics and history.
Organization – The sustainability and capacity for TPMS to thrive and continue operations is supported by Organization Committee members who help build a financially-sound organization through fundraising events and supportive business, philanthropic and community partnerships.
Promotions – The Promotions Committee oversees internal and external communications to consistently promote the TPMS brand and story as well as raise public visibility and launch promotional campaigns to support TPMS businesses.
