The National Main Street Center was established as a program of the National Trust for Historic Preservation in 1980 as a way to address the issues facing older and historic downtowns. Working with a nationwide network of coordinating programs and local communities, Main Street has helped over 2,000 communities across the county bring economic vitality back to downtown, while celebrating their historic character and bringing communities together.

Main Street America believes Main Streets are for everyone. At the core of the approach to revitalization is a commitment to created places of shared prosperity, equal access to opportunity, and inclusive engagement.

For more than 30 years, Oklahoma’s Main Street program has been pumping new life back into the heart of communities across the state. Historic preservation, downtown revitalization efforts and powerful economic stimulation combine to restore the core assets of communities and enhance the quality of life for Oklahomans. Since 1986, Oklahoma Main Street programs have generated more than $1.8 billion in total public and private reinvestment, created 20,071 new jobs and helped in the development of 5,839 new or expanded small businesses.

The Main Street Four-Point Approach™ is tailored to meet the needs and opportunities of each local program. It encompasses work in four distinct areas – Design, Economic Vitality, Promotion, and Organization – that are combined to address all of the commercial district’s needs.