400 E. Main Street
Cottage Grove, OR 97424
942-3340
Fax 942-1267

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Oregon Main Street Program
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The City of Cottage Grove Community Development Department is participating in the Oregon Main Street “Exploring Downtown” program. Oregon Main Street is new statewide commercial district revitalization program administered through the Oregon Economic and Community Development Department. This program, in partnership with the National Trust Main Street Center, was created to assist communities in achieving viable commercial districts.

In the 1970s, the National Trust developed its pioneering Main Street four point approach to commercial district revitalization. It encompasses work in four distinct areas—design, economic restructuring, promotion and organization—that are combined to address all of the commercial district's needs. This proven approach combines historic preservation with economic development to restore prosperity and vitality to downtowns and neighborhood business districts. It has created a network of more than 40 statewide, citywide and countywide Main Street programs with more than 1,200 active Main Street projects throughout the U.S.

Governor Kulongoski included funding to re-establish this Oregon program in the 2007-09 state budget. Communities that demonstrate an interest in revitalizing their downtowns and want to learn more about the Main Street Approach start out by “Exploring Downtown”. Under this part of the program, local staff and community members can attend workshops and training, and the community is encouraged to explore ways that they might work together to initiate the Main Street Approach. The second level, “Transforming Downtown,” is for communities who are committed to downtown revitalization using the Main Street Approach but need technical assistance to take them to the next level. Communities with advanced downtown programs may certify as “Performing Main Street.”

The City of Cottage Grove is going to be “Exploring Downtown” over the next year. City staff will explore this program together with other interested groups, such as the Chamber of Commerce and the Economic/Business Improvement District, to see if it is right for Cottage Grove.

For general information about Oregon Main Street, contact the Oregon Economic & Community Development Department, or for recent program information contact City planning staff at 942-3340.