Another model for business district revitalization is the National Trust for Historic Preservation “Main Street” program.  The most prominent local application of this program is in the City of Boston, which has 19 Main Street Districts.  Each district receives financial and technical assistance and intensive training in the Main Street approach from the City of Boston Main Streets office and the National Main Street Center.  In turn, each Main Street organization hires a full time Executive Director, raises matching funds, incorporates its organization and implements its programs according to an annual work plan.

Main Street programs apply a four-point comprehensive approach that creates and sustains the district's image: 1) community organization, 2) promotion, 3) design and 4) economic restructuring. Specific Main Street activities and operations include storefront improvement grants, public enhancements, local promotional and fund-raising events such as parades, auctions, multi-cultural festivals and holiday shopping events that strategically aim to enhance the image of the business district and attract consumers.  

While this program has demonstrated success in the region’s urban communities, it has not been widely applied in suburban town centers, where municipalities do not have access to the public funds that support urban programs.  New public-private partnerships between major employers and local municipalities could help to support the creation of such programs. 

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