Annika, an Oakland County Main Street representative, presented Clawson’s Downtown Development Authority with an accreditation plaque and a 25‑year economic snapshot during the DDA’s July 16 meeting, citing the Main Street program’s four‑point approach and performance standards.

The presentation highlighted Main Street America’s four points — design, organization, promotion and economic vitality — and six accreditation standards: community commitment, inclusive leadership, diversified funding, strategy‑driven programming, preservation‑based economic development and demonstrated impact. Annika said the Oakland County program aggregates data from accredited communities and noted a reported figure of about $1.2 billion in public‑ and private‑sector investment tied to accredited communities since the program’s start.

Annika explained that accreditation signals a community’s “commitment to historic preservation, economic development, and community engagement,” and described the Main Street process used by Oakland County, which supports coordinating groups and local DDAs. She emphasized the need for broad community participation and diversified funding beyond DDA levies, and encouraged volunteer recruitment to sustain events and programs. “Being an accredited community with Main Street America signifies that your organization has met rigorous performance standards,” Annika said.

Board members discussed local engagement and the DDA’s ongoing strategic planning. The presentation materials included a two‑page anniversary lookback and an annual report summarizing 2021 through 2024 statistics; Annika said the county uses those metrics to demonstrate program impact when requesting county funding for Main Street services.

No formal action or vote was recorded on the accreditation itself; the plaque presentation and discussion were informational. The DDA asked the presenter for photos and promotional materials to share through its social channels.

The presentation closed with an invitation to use the county’s resources and to involve long‑time residents as volunteers to bolster community input and continuity.