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Council agrees to seek business and community input on reviving Friday Nights on Main
Summary
Councilmembers asked staff and the Chamber of Commerce to survey downtown businesses and residents about restoring the Friday Nights on Main program and to return with feedback before making policy changes or adding street closures.
Councilmembers opened discussion about reviving the downtown summer program “Friday Nights on Main,” which previously involved multiple Main Street closures. A councilmember who placed the item on the agenda said residents have repeatedly requested its return and suggested the program could require four to five additional street closures annually.
Several councilmembers said the Chamber of Commerce previously coordinated with downtown businesses and that the chamber’s earlier decision to stop running the series was not a formal council determination. Council Member John (surname not specified) and others urged soliciting direct input from businesses — not only the chamber director — on whether closures helped or harmed their operations and on specific design elements (timing, location, sound). One councilmember noted some businesses reported the events did not increase revenue but did complicate service.
The council directed staff to ask the Chamber to gather broad business feedback and to report back; council members emphasized including residents’ views and considering modifications that reduce disruption and maximize participation. No formal policy change or vote was taken; the item will return after outreach.
