House passes Main Street Program Act to help small downtowns

The Utah House of Representatives on Feb. 15 passed House Bill 13, the Main Street Program Act, which would authorize the Department of Community and Economic Development to establish a Utah Main Street program and fund pilot projects to help small communities restore and revitalize downtown commercial areas.

Sponsor Representative Birmingham described the measure as “an alternative program” to demolition and redevelopment that would “provide technical expertise to help small communities” with organization, design, promotion and economic restructuring. He told colleagues the measure follows the National Main Street Center’s model and would authorize the Community Impact Board to act as an advisory body and contract for expertise.

Supporters said the bill targets deteriorating downtowns and leverages private and nonprofit partnerships. Representative Bowman said Parowan and other small towns would make good pilot communities and urged passage. The sponsor noted an initial appropriation request of roughly $200,000 for pilot projects and selection criteria that prioritize communities with populations under 50,000.

Voting was unanimous on final passage. The Clerk reported 69 affirmative and 0 negative votes; the bill was ordered transmitted to the Senate for further consideration.

The House debate focused on how the program would use technical assistance rather than demolition to revive downtown business districts. The bill creates a framework for state support and a first-year pilot; further funding decisions would be made during the budget process.