Tools and Statistics (Part I)

Re-energizing our Main Street is a re-investment in the future of Presque Isle. The use of the Main Street Approach can only enhance this re-investment.      According to The Maine Downtown Center, the cumulative success of the Main Street Approach and Main Street programs on the local level has earned a reputation as one of the most powerful economic development tools in the nation. The National Trust Main Street Center annually collects statistical information on economic activity in local Main Street programs nationwide. These statistics were tracked from 1980 to December 2005, and reflect activity in more than 1,900 communities (National Reinvestment Statistics).
1) Public and private reinvestment in physical improvements in Main Street communities: $31.5 billion
2) Net gain in businesses: 72,387
3) Net gain in jobs: 331,417
4) Reinvestment ratio (ii): the average number of dollars generated in each community for every dollar used to operate the local Main Street program: $28.31 reinvested for every $1 spent
These are the Maine Reinvestment Statistics as reported by Main Street Maine communities between Sept. 30, 2002 and Dec. 31, 2005:
1) Volunteer Hours: 69,716
2) Public and private reinvestment in physical improvements in Main Street Maine communities: $23.7 million
3) Net gain in businesses: 75
4) Net gain in jobs: 456*
5) Reinvestment ratio (ii): the average number of dollars generated in each community for every dollar used to operate the local Main Street program: $12.11 reinvested for every $1 spent
* This figure does not reflect 110 jobs moved out of downtown Gardiner due to state office consolidation.
The Maine Downtown Center reports these proven benefits of a local Main Street Program:
1) Enhances community pride and quality of life
2) Preserves and creates jobs
3) Enhances industrial, commercial, and professional development
4) Increases collaboration between public and private sectors in order to attain common goals
5) Bolsters property values throughout the community
6) Grows existing businesses, attracts new businesses, and reinforces other economic development activities
7) Protects and utilizes the historic assets in downtown
8) Increases the tax base by developing vacant and underutilized buildings to higher and better uses.
Next week, we’ll divide these benefits up into different market segments. See you then!
Please write us with your thoughts and opinions. It’s your city and we want your input. You can write us at:
The Presque Isle Downtown Revitalization Committee
411 Main St.
Presque Isle, ME 04769
Or you can email us at: pidrc@yahoo.com.
The Presque Isle Downtown Revitalization Committee is an
ad hoc committee of the Presque Isle City Council