[OMS_MANAGERS] City government financial support

[STUART Sheri * OPRD]

Hi Juli,

 In case you missed it at the virtual OMS conference last year, we had a great session about Civic Leaders on Main Street that highlighted MS-Local Government Partnerships. You can watch this session here: https://youtu.be/OMWn94J3tTo  

See below for comments on a couple of your questions.

Best, Sheri
-----Original Message-----
From: OMS_MANAGERS <oms_managers-bounces at omls.oregon.gov> On Behalf Of Julia Bochsler via OMS_MANAGERS
Sent: Wednesday, August 10, 2022 1:33 PM
To: Oregon Main Street Network Members <oms_managers at omls.oregon.gov>
Subject: Re: [OMS_MANAGERS] City government financial support


Hi,

We are working with our city planner and new city manager to improve the relationship with Revitalize Downtown Stayton.  Of course we would like financial support but also to have a little bit of clout when pursuing design, economic vitality propositions and promotions.  I would love to hear from other Main Street organizations about their relationships with their city government:  

Do any of you have an actual city employee for a main street manager and how does that affect your board? 
We do have several communities in the Network where staff support is provided directly by the city. Often these aren't called "main street manager" but some of their duties include providing support to the local main street organizations. Some of the main street organizations supported in this way are: Gold Beach Main Street, Independence Downtown Association, Dallas Downtown Association, North Bend Main Street (just getting launched by the City), and Reedsport Main Street.

Do any of you have financial support, but the employee is paid by the Main Street organization?

Many receive financial support where the funding can or is required to go towards staff support including the Beaverton Downtown Association, La Grande Main Street Downtown, Albany Downtown Association, The Dalles Main Street, Pendleton Downtown Association, Newberg Downtown Coalition, and Lebanon Downtown Association.

What was your city’s buy in to getting a full time Main Street Manager? 
Does your organization have the same clout as your chamber of commerce? 


Are you able to things in your downtown without having to have a city commission set up to oversee your requests? 

The vast majority do not have a city commission set up specifically to oversee the main street organization. The Downtown Estacada Commission is the one example where a commission was specifically established to implement the main street program. Others may have a relationship with Urban Renewal but only a few that have specific oversight.

Do any main streets work directly with their city council to get design (benches, trash receptacles, sidewalk art, etc) and promotions(farmers markets, concerts, Christmas tree lighting) approved?  



Thanks for your time!

Juli Bochsler
Revitalize Downtown Stayton 
Vice President  
(503) 871 6764
julibox at aol.com