[OMS_MANAGERS] Main Street Round-up: Kudos, MSA Small Business Survey, Grants, Workshops, Interesting Reads, & More

Thu Feb 10 09:14:58 PST 2022

  1.  Kudos

Congratulations to West Linn on the award for their complete streets project, The Willamette Falls Drive Main Street project. The project was recognized by the consulting engineering professional organization, ACEC, as the transportation project of the year in Oregon.  Here's a link to a video put together by the project consultant, HHPR, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=N9zj-PMzDNU

  1.  Black History Month
The National Main Street Center created social media graphics that Main Street programs can use to celebrate Black History Month on Main Street, as well as a few ideas for Black History Month programs. Download<https://www.mainstreet.org/blogs/national-main-street-center/2022/01/31/main-street-celebrates-black-history-month> here >
Lunar New Year (Feb. 1)
Groundhog Day (Feb. 2)
National Entrepreneurship Week - Feb 12 - 19
Valentine's Day (Feb. 14)
President's Day (Feb. 21)

  1.  Winter 2022 Main Street America Small Business Survey

Last week, MSA rolled out the Winter 2022 Small Business Survey<https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/mainstreet-smallbiz-winter2022>. The survey includes up to 21 questions and should take small business owners about 10 minutes to complete. Questions focus on understanding the businesses operating in Main Street communities and districts, how small business owners are expanding and adapting their businesses to the world changing around us, and what concerns and supports would be most useful to them right now. As always, Mike Powe and Matt Wagner plan to write up and share the results, both in the form of a blog post summary and as interactive maps where you can view your communities' data. The survey will be open until February 17.

We heard from 5,844 businesses in March 2020. They are hoping to get 6,000 responses this time around. Please help us by sharing the survey link with your local programs and small businesses -- https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/mainstreet-smallbiz-winter2022. If we have sufficient # of responses from Oregon, we will get a breakout of that info.

  1.  Main Street America Accreditation

In late January, Main Street America provided two opportunities for Main Street programs to hear about the new Accreditation Standards.  While only our Performing Main Street level communities are eligible for consideration as an accredited MSA program, other tier levels might be interested in the standards as they highlight the foundational elements MSA feels are important for comprehensive efforts. The webinars are an introduction and help you become familiar with the new standards through 2022. The details and timelines for full implementation by MSA are covered in the presentation and will be the standards we will have in place for our top tier communities in Oregon. The links below to take you to the Community Self-Assessment Tool and the instruction sheet. For those who were unable to attend the live sessions, or those who want to share the presentation with board members, view Friday's recording here<https://youtu.be/6XSAv6wKrY8>.

Community Self-Assessment Tool <https://bit.ly/communityselfassessmenttool>

Instructions<https://bit.ly/evaluationinstructions>

  1.  Mapping Main Street Project

MSA shared that they currently have 1,184 designated main street programs mapped nationwide and have just 50 programs left to go in their project to Main Street program's boundaries. During the month of February, Mike Powe and Emi Morita will be working on a revamped map of the Main Street Network that features our newly mapped program boundaries and leverages data from the Paycheck Protection Program, the 2020 Decennial Census, the 2019 American Community Survey, and several other sources. This will be a really cool tool once it is completed!

  1.  Winter 2022 Main Street America Small Business Survey

Last week, MSA rolled out the Winter 2022 Small Business Survey<https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/mainstreet-smallbiz-winter2022>. The survey includes up to 21 questions and should take small business owners about 10 minutes to complete. Questions focus on understanding the businesses operating in Main Street communities and districts, how small business owners are expanding and adapting their businesses to the world changing around us, and what concerns and supports would be most useful to them right now. As always, Mike Powe and Matt Wagner plan to write up and share the results, both in the form of a blog post summary and as interactive maps where you can view your communities' data. The survey will be open until February 17.

We heard from 5,844 businesses in March 2020. They are hoping to get 6,000 responses this time around. Please help us by sharing the survey link with your local programs and small businesses -- https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/mainstreet-smallbiz-winter2022. If we have sufficient # of responses from Oregon, we will get a breakout of that info.

  1.  Conferences/Workshops/Trainings

Main Street Now Conference: Registration is Open!

Registration for the 2022 Main Street Now Conference<https://www.mainstreet.org/howwecanhelp/mainstreetnow/now2022> in Richmond, Virginia, is now open! Held May 16 - 18, the conference will celebrate the community resilience and reinvestment championed by our Main Street programs through the COVID-19 pandemic and begin envisioning strategic opportunities to strengthen and expand our commercial districts as we emerge into a new economic future. Head to mainstreet.org/now2022<https://www.mainstreet.org/howwecanhelp/mainstreetnow/now2022> for more details on the conference, including registration rates and hotel information.

NAO's Fundraising Event Solutions

February 15, 8:30 - 10:30 a.m. | Presenter: Samantha Swaim, Swaim Strategies

As you prepare for upcoming spring events and launch planning for summer and fall events this session will be focused on solutions to keep things on track through the waves of COVID. We will provide you with some simple strategies to move forward and get out of the "wait and see" mindset. We will talk about national trends, hybrid formats and opportunities to increase your audience participation and grow your donor base. If you need help with your upcoming event, this is a session for you. More details and registration information here<https://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001dKsM_WWwxsAmYRHWWmvxkItAycYgNFbKf65UKoDQxvmh_mAxnNbuYZ1mIQacRiKxZxAXm73UZzzliQ-2sl1YGEs5Q6TYTHStylzx54_hto199UiYqDjM8sLrKO72nf3lHJwWeNjgEhBsyHHuxgbTNA6CFVZMevtaxoUWWBlfzITczlm5Fu3aAmAy7PwxVaVjDCW6kfWPku6JH_7tFLFlopia7QVPSxDu&c=2ns1FpPvDZ2TefHpeP6Pt-gtx5HNoW6W33D0z8EcJNtluqZHb6d8Pw==&ch=tObSE4RTKEgfe5slScwARuVx4rgB1EcO-NpRk396-M2sH0K7D6k32w==>.

OMS Board Institute: Joining a Main Street Board is an opportunity for you to make a real difference in your community. You are joining a Network of passionate individuals who care deeply about their communities here in Oregon and across the country. To help you get started, Oregon Main Street has prepared a short course to introduce you to the nationally recognized Main Street Approach(tm), the Oregon Main Street Network, and an overview of board roles and responsibilities. This session is great for new board members or for current board members who would like a refresher. We are offering the Board Institute in multiple timeslots to make it as convenient as possible. Registration is required - please select the time that works best for you. After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the meeting.

Feb 17: 5:30 to 7:00 p.m.: https://us06web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZ0vc-6pqjMtGtA34M_CwDoTrWIzK_ra4WAU
Feb 22: 8:30 to 10 a.m.: https://us06web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZEvfuCspzsvGtfGO12eVJ2um5dOsqHCBPT8
Feb 22: 5:30 to 7 p.m.:  https://us06web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZIpceqgqDkjHtPSlK3ITiGp2H_D4zN2qeem

Feb 26: 9:00 to 10:30 a.m.: https://us06web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZ0vc-6hrjopE9d6ckGBCv6iFEpSlbzess5Y

  1.  Interesting Reads

The Importance of Place

As we enter a new year, it is important to reflect on the role that place plays in our lives. As Main Street professionals and enthusiasts, we know that place is more than just a location or a spot on a map. It is a unique collection of qualities and characteristics - visual, cultural, natural, and social - that provide meaning to a location. In this Main Spotlight, Ed McMahon, Chairman Emeritus of Main Street America and the Senior Fellow at the Urban land Institute, explored the importance of place and called for a renewed focus on "placekeeping" in this new year: the active care and maintenance of preserving the heart and soul of a place in the face of change. Read here ><https://www.mainstreet.org/blogs/national-main-street-center/2022/01/05/main-spotlight-the-importance-of-place?CommunityKey=c40a84d1-46b2-465c-985c-c08ed69081ab>

What Does Treasury's ARPA Final Rule Mean for Main Streets?

On January 6, the Treasury Department released the Final Rule governing the use of American Rescue Plan Act funds. As a result, allocation of these funds is expected to increase at a rapid pace. Main Street organizations and community revitalization professionals need to understand what is included in the Final Rule included and consider the best approach to accessing this funding for Main Street needs. In this Main Spotlight, Kelly Humrichouser, Director of Government Relations at Main Street America, offered highlights of the Treasury's Final Rule and suggested next steps that Main Streets can take to utilize these historic funding opportunities. Read here ><https://www.mainstreet.org/blogs/national-main-street-center/2022/02/02/main-spotlight-what-does-treasurys-final-rule-mean?CommunityKey=c40a84d1-46b2-465c-985c-c08ed69081ab>

10 Predictions for 2022

Trends are always changing. The new year is the perfect opportunity to step back to review the past year and examine the ways that you can adjust your operations to meet new needs. Many changes that began in response to the COVID-19 pandemic, including curbside pick-up, remote work, and 'The Great Pivot,' are likely to continue. At the same time, new trends are emerging that will have big impacts on the ways people interact with Main Street communities. In this Main Spotlight, Matthew Wagner, Ph.D., Chief Program Officer of Main Street America, presented his predictions for the trends and factors that will impact Main Streets in 2022. From communal dining parks to tiny houses, these predictions will make you think critically about how you plan to serve help you plan the ways you can best serve your communities this year. Read here ><https://www.mainstreet.org/blogs/national-main-street-center/2022/01/12/10-predictions-for-2022?CommunityKey=c40a84d1-46b2-465c-985c-c08ed69081ab>

Small-Scale Real Estate Projects Can Leverage Big Changes

Small-scale, mixed-use real estate development projects play a critical role in the ongoing transformation of Main Street districts. These projects often include multiple properties held by separate owners and inhabited by small independent businesses. While small-scale developments can be costly to develop on a per square foot basis, mixing housing, institutional, transportation, or hospitality components, in addition to retail and entertainment, can spread the risk. Housing and mixed-use projects not only bring additional financing options into the initial redevelopment, but they also provide a means of diversified income streams during the operational phase. In this Main Spotlight, Program Administrator for the Virginia Department of Housing and Community Development Courtney Mailey dove into how Virginia Main Street programs have driven progress downtown through key small-scale real estate projects. Read here ><https://www.mainstreet.org/blogs/national-main-street-center/2022/01/18/main-spotlight-small-scale-real-estate?CommunityKey=c40a84d1-46b2-465c-985c-c08ed69081ab>

  1.  Grant Opportunities

Preservation Funds For Brick/Mortar - If you missed the recent National Preservation Fund deadline (February 1) there are still opportunities for grant funding through the Cynthia Woods Mitchell Fund for Historic Interiors and Johanna Favrot Fund for Historic Preservation. Applications are due March 1. With grants ranging from $2,500 to $15,000, these funds offer support for educational and planning efforts, as well as brick and mortar projects.

  *   Cynthia Woods Mitchell Fund for Historic Interiors<http://us.e-activist.com/page/email/click/10028/1152450?email=DheinyePr9pVzTNxl0rcdsS5Hda7Kfnj&campid=X%2BI2NXledwyZkArzVWMSmA==>: for Historic Interiors: The purpose of the fund is to assist in the preservation, restoration, and interpretation of historic interiors.
  *   Johanna Favrot Fund for Historic Preservation<http://us.e-activist.com/page/email/click/10028/1152451?email=DheinyePr9pVzTNxl0rcdsS5Hda7Kfnj&campid=X%2BI2NXledwyZkArzVWMSmA==>: This fund aims to save historic environments in order to foster an appreciation of our nation's diverse cultural heritage and to preserve and revitalize the livability of the nation's communities.
The AARP Community Challenge Is On!
AARP annual small grants program funds quick-action projects that can help communities become more livable for people of all ages. Applications will be accepted for projects that improve public spaces, housing, transportation and civic engagement; support diversity, equity and inclusion; build engagement for programs under new federal laws; and pursue innovative ideas that support people age 50 or older. Learn About the 2022 Challenge<https://www.aarp.org/livable-communities/community-challenge/info-2022/2022-challenge.html?cmp=EMC-DSM-NLC-LC-HOMFAM-20220202_LivableCommunities_CTRL_1307201_1595505-020222-F1-AboutCommunityChallenge-CTA_Button-CTRL-Community-6124201&encparam=WEQXZk0Q6CjtGSDxs%2b2usfap5v2wUjUKHSZK3wnY%2fZQ%3d>
T-Mobile Hometown Grants. The application for the next round of T-Mobile grants are due on March 31. T-Mobile is focusing on revitalizing community spaces in towns with 50,000 people or less, and Main Street programs are encouraged to apply. Submit a proposal for a town project of your choice, and if selected, use the funds to get started. The T-Mobile Hometown Grants program will help fund projects to build, rebuild, or refresh community spaces that help foster local connections in your town. For example, this might include the town square pavilion, a historic building, an outdoor park, a ball field, or a library-- every town has places where friends and neighbors connect. For info and to apply: https://www.t-mobile.com/brand/hometown-grants
Oregon Main Street Revitalization Grant. Just a reminder the OMSRG are open and due on March 15. You can find info on the grant including the grant guidelines, instructions on applying, a tip sheet, prepping to apply for the grant worksheet, and a list of previously awarded projects on the Oregon Heritage website: https://www.oregon.gov/oprd/OH/pages/grants.aspx
Here's a link to the recording of the recent OMSRG workshop: https://us06web.zoom.us/rec/share/Gtof4LT-HlDs6cRbnegDR_x3jInrBep8tJGblQOXjXQpYrCNlOaCb3ovmDL-7T2m.yH04oNcUHj5Qhfbs Access Passcode: c&i$9a0=
Preserving Oregon Grant - Letter of Intent Deadline: April 13, 2022: The Preserving Oregon Grants<https://www.oregon.gov/oprd/OH/Pages/Grants.aspx#ten> fund preservation of historic properties listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Work may include non-maintenance preservation like window repair, roof work, foundation projects, plumbing, and electrical needs. Preserving Oregon Grants<https://www.oregon.gov/oprd/OH/Pages/Grants.aspx#ten> can also fund archaeology projects for significant work contributing toward identifying, preserving and/or interpreting archaeological sites. Archaeology projects by Southern Oregon University, Willamette University and the Vanport Placemarking Project were funded last year. A free, online grant workshop specific to these grant programs and how to use the online grant application will be offered. Visit the Oregon Heritage grants webpage<https://www.oregon.gov/oprd/OH/Pages/Grants.aspx> to register.

  *   March 8, 1:00 p.m. - 2:00 p.m. for Preserving Oregon Grants archaeology projects.
  *   March 8, 2:00 p.m. - 3:00 p.m. for Preserving Oregon Grants historic property projects.
Diamonds in the Rough Grant - Deadline: May 10, 2022: The Diamonds in the Rough Grants<https://www.oregon.gov/oprd/OH/Pages/Grants.aspx#five> help restore or reconstruct the facades of buildings that have been heavily altered over the years. These grants return buildings to their historic appearance and potentially qualify them for historic register designation (local or national). Recent façade projects have taken place in Lincoln City, Oregon City, Rhododendron, and Wallowa. The online grant application is simple to use and includes plenty of support.  A free, online grant workshop specific to these grant programs and how to use the online grant application will be offered. Visit the Oregon Heritage grants webpage<https://www.oregon.gov/oprd/OH/Pages/Grants.aspx> to register.

  *   March 9, 2:00 p.m. - 3:00 p.m. for Diamonds in the Rough building façade projects.

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Sheri Stuart (she, her, hers)|Oregon Main Street Coordinator
___________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Heritage Programs
Oregon Parks and Recreation Department
725 Summer St. NE, Suite C, Salem, Oregon 97301
503-551-3705 (cell)
sheri.stuart at oprd.oregon.gov<mailto:sheri.stuart at oprd.oregon.gov>

Visit our website<http://www.oregonheritage.org/>, Like us on Facebook<https://www.facebook.com/OregonHeritage>, Visit our Blog<http://oregonheritage.wordpress.com/>, Join the Oregon Heritage News e-news<https://omls.oregon.gov/mailman/listinfo/Heritage>.

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