Q:  What’s Next for Downtown Ventura and What is the “Main Street Approach” to   
      Commercial District Revitalization?

A:  The Downtown Ventura Organization is embarking on a new chapter on its journey to improve Downtown by following the National Trust for Historic Preservation’s “Main Street Approach.” 

·        This is a nationally-proven, community-driven, holistic and comprehensive methodology used to revitalize older, traditional business districts throughout the US.

·        It is a common-sense way to address the variety of challenges facing historic downtowns—to compete with big box shopping malls and other neighboring shopping destinations.

·        The Main Street Approach advocates Downtown’s self-reliance and the improvement of an historic shopping/dining district based on its unique assets: distinctive architecture, a pedestrian-friendly environment, local ownership, personal service, and authenticity.

·         Start-up funding from the City of Ventura enabled DVO to hire and experienced non-profit executive director.
 

Q:  What is this Main Street Four-Point Approach?  
A:  It is a comprehensive strategy tailored to meet local needs:

·       A working governing board of directors and four standing committees make up the fundamental organizational structure of this program. This structure not only divides the workload and clearly delineates responsibilities for the volunteers, but also builds consensus and cooperation among the various stakeholders—YOU.

·      The National Trust’s Main Street philosophy and methodology make it an effective tool for community-based, grassroots revitalization efforts. This approach has been successful in almost one thousand communities of all sizes, both rural (Paso Robles) and urban (NYC).

·      The Main Street approach is incremental; it is not designed to produce change overnight. In order to succeed, a long-term effort requires attention to every aspect of Downtown — a process that takes time and requires leadership from the merchants and property owners.

Q:  What are Downtown Ventura’s Committees All About? 

A:  In the 1970’s, the National Trust for Historic Preservation’s created a “Main Street Center” and a revitalization strategy that has been widely successful in towns and cities nationwide. Described below are the Four Points of the Main Street Approach that will guide a sustainable and complete revitalization effort. The Four Points are also the names of the four committees. Each committee meets monthly.  

·        The Organization Committee assembles the appropriate resources for a functioning DVO and this committee promotes the DVO around town. This committee addresses the financial stability of the program as well as human resources and fundraising campaigns. You will like this committee if you are a:  bookkeeper, CPA, attorney, HR specialist, store owner, property owner, fundraiser, banker, philanthropist, or retired executive. Join us! 

·      The Promotion Committee sells a positive image of the district to the public. It encourages shopping and investment in the Main Street district. By marketing the district's unique characteristics, an effective promotional strategy forges a positive image through special events, branding and marketing campaigns. These activities improve consumer and investor confidence in the area. You will enjoy this committee if are:  creative, a good writer, know media and editorial placement, a party planner, or have a huge circle of friends. Join us!

·      The Design Committee gets the Main Street district into top physical shape by capitalizing on its best asset—pedestrian-friendly streets that are clean, safe, and inviting. This atmosphere is created by designing attractive store window displays, building improvements, and good street-scaping that conveys a positive visual message. This committee can have the most significant impact on the district in the first year of a Main Street program. And tangible, visible activities that scream “progress, finally!” are often key to the organization’s ability to land positive press and fundraise in the later years. You will enjoy this committee if you are: an artist, architect, landscape architect, designer, Webmaster, photographer, or just very resourceful. Join us!

·       The Economic Restructuring Committee strengthens the existing economic assets while expanding and diversifying the economic base. This committee recruits compatible new businesses and new economic uses to re-build an historic commercial district that is, first and foremost, responsive to today's consumers' needs. Converting vacant or underutilized commercial buildings into economically productive property also helps boost the profitability and aesthetic appeal of the entire district. Encouraging and facilitating the establishment of more unique, locally owned, and highly desirous new entrepreneurial ventures is key to making progress. You will enjoy this committee if you are: an entrepreneur, a real estate professional, developer, economist, investor, banker, retailer, planner, researcher, or a good networker.