Florida Main Street coordinator outlines reactivation steps, grants and staffing needs

Catherine Beck, state coordinator for Florida Main Street, told the Daytona Beach Community Redevelopment Agency on May 20 that reactivating or establishing a Main Street district requires planning, public-private partnerships and a paid executive director. She said the program centers on four committees — design, organization, promotion and economic vitality — and emphasizes historic preservation combined with economic development.

Beck described grant opportunities available through the state Division of Historical Resources, including planning grants (a $50,000 planning/matching grant, with Main Street programs often receiving a match waiver) and larger project grants she described as available up to $2,000,000 for revitalization work. She also said National Main Street membership, which provides access to training and resources, carries a primary cost of $375 per year.

"Main Street is economic development within the context of historic preservation," Beck said. "It takes volunteerism, and it takes that partnership between the city and the program area." She emphasized that a successful reorganization requires broad public-private support, a comprehensive work plan with measurable goals, a functioning board of directors and committees, and realistic fundraising expectations.

In question-and-answer exchanges, Beck said the program is not population-dependent; small communities can succeed. She recommended a paid, full-time executive director, noting the role is typically a full-time position with a median salary she gave in the $58,000–$62,000 range. She added that the initial reorganization often takes three years in the apprentice track, though affiliate entry points exist for communities that already have assets in place.

Ken Thomas, redevelopment director, told commissioners a local group intends to file an application when the cycle opens June 1. Staff and Beck said a previously designated Main Street district remains recorded even if the program becomes inactive; a community with a former Main Street designation can pursue reactivation under a 10-criteria review that includes public meetings and demonstrated partnerships.

Beck encouraged commissioners and staff to attend trainings and the annual Palms conference for Main Street participants, and offered state technical assistance to help the city develop a work plan and apply for grants. She described the Main Street model as a long-term, incremental approach: small physical improvements and community engagement early, with larger economic changes building over seven to ten years.

The presentation closed with commissioners asking staff to return within about a month with follow-up materials and a proposed timeline for next steps; staff said they would provide the requested project lists and information electronically before the next meeting.