Why Are Main Streets Programs Important?

Main Street advocates are commonly asked by city governments, businesses, and developers: "Why should we invest in downtown?" Here are just a few reasons why our downtown is an important and worthwhile investment in the economic health and quality of life in Biloxi and on the Mississippi Gulf Coast:

• Main Street is a symbol of community economic health, local quality of life, pride, and community history. These are all factors in industrial, commercial and professional recruitment.
• A vital Main Street retains and creates jobs, which also means a stronger tax base. Long-term revitalization establishes capable businesses that use public services and provide tax revenues for the community.
• Main Street is also a good incubator for new small businesses -- the building blocks of a healthy economy. Strip centers and malls are often too expensive for new entrepreneurs.
• A vital Main Street area reduces sprawl by concentrating retail in one area and uses community resources wisely, such as infrastructure, tax dollars and land.
• A healthy Main Street core protects property values in surrounding residential neighborhoods.
• The traditional commercial district is an ideal location for independent businesses, which in turn:
  
  
  Keep profits in town. Chain businesses send profits out of town.
  Supports local families with family-owned businesses
  Supports local community projects, such as ball teams and schools Provide an extremely stable economic foundation, as opposed to a few large businesses and chains with no ties to stay in the community
  
  
• A revitalized Main Street increases the community's options for goods and services: whether for basic staples, like clothing, food and professional services or less traditional functions such as housing and entertainment.
• Main Street provides an important civic forum, where members of the community can congregate. Parades, special events and celebrations held there reinforce intangible sense of community. Private developments like malls can and do restrict free speech and access.
• Many Main Street districts become tourist attractions by virtue of the character of buildings, location, selection of unique businesses, and events held there.

Being a member of Main Street Biloxi allows you access to numerous national resources, including the National Main Street Center.