What is Main Street?
As a Designated Mississippi Main Street Community and Main Street America™ Accredited program, Cleveland Main Street is a recognized leading program among the national network of more than 1,200 neighborhoods and communities who share both a commitment to creating high-quality places and to building stronger communities through preservation-based economic development. All Main Street America™ Accredited programs meet a set of National Accreditation Standards of Performance as outlined by Main Street America.
Cleveland has been a Main Street Accredited Community since 1990, and works through the four “points” of Main Street to develop and activate the historic downtown core. With retail, restaurants, housing, office, and amenity spaces, downtown Cleveland serves as the central hub of Bolivar County’s largest town.
Cleveland Main Street works through a committee and board structure to promote the Main Street district by focusing on the following four “points” of the Main Street philosophy:
- Economic Vitality: Build a diverse economic base, catalyze smart new investment, and cultivate strong new entrepreneurship.
- Design: Preserve and celebrate the historic character, create an inviting atmosphere, foster accessible people-centered public spaces.
- Promotion: Market the district's unique historic character and ambience; communicate its distinct defining features; coordinate the sales, marketing, and event activities of downtown merchants; and support a buy-local experience.
- Organization: Build leadership and strong organizational capacity through broad community engagement and partnerships across sectors.
