Skip Navigation
 

Notices

Governor Kelly Releases Kansas Broadband Digital Equity Plan for Public Comment Governor Laura Kelly today announced the Kansas Digital Equity (DE) Plan for high-speed internet connectivity is available for public review and comment. While the recently announced Broadband Equity Access and Deployment (BEAD) Five-Year Action Plan outlines the state’s plan to provide access to high-speed internet, the Digital Equity Plan focuses on specifically connecting users. Governor Kelly Celebrates Minority- and Women-Owned Businesses Governor Laura Kelly joined the Kansas Department of Commerce for the 38th Annual Minority and Women Business Awards Luncheon at Townsite Tower in Topeka. The luncheon, hosted by Commerce’s Office of Minority and Women Business Development, recognizes minority- and women-owned businesses from across the state and is part of Kansas Minority Enterprise Development (MED) Week. Governor Kelly Announces Recipients of More than $500K in Registered Apprenticeship Grants Governor Laura Kelly today announced a total of $528,478 has been awarded by the Kansas Department of Commerce to eight entities across the state for projects that will attract and retain employees and build the state workforce through registered apprenticeships. Virtual Job Fair to Highlight Hundreds of State Agency Opportunities Jobseekers are encouraged to attend the upcoming State of Kansas Agencies Virtual Job Fair from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Wednesday, September 27. This month’s virtual fair, hosted by KANSASWORKS, will feature many exciting employment opportunities available across the state’s 98 government agencies. Currently, there are more than 700 vacancies across the state. View All

Menu

Business Regions Made in Kansas Our Department Publications Initiatives & Incentives Transparency Database About Us Notices Contact
Back
Back

Kansas Main Street

Empowering Downtowns

What is Kansas Main Street?

Main Street is a self-help, technical assistance program that targets revitalization and preservation of downtown districts through the development of a comprehensive strategy.

The program has a long history of success throughout the United States and in Kansas. What started as a small pilot program in the late 1970s has now grown to include nearly 2,000 communities in more than 40 states. Throughout the country, communities have utilized the Main Street ApproachTM to rally residents around a focused plan of action that transforms their community and enhances their quality of life.

Designated Communities

To become a Designated Kansas Main Street community, registrants must participate in a competitive, annual application process. This process includes attending our Application Workshop and attaining recommendation by the Review Team based on their evaluation of a community’s capacity to achieve success. The completed application must demonstrate:

  • Public and private support for the program, as well as the capability of the applicant to successfully implement the local Main Street program.
  • Financial capability to employ a paid professional director, fund a local Main Street Program, and support downtown-related projects.
  • A cohesive and distinct variety of business activity conducted in a proposed Main Street Program area. 
  • An interest in, and commitment to, historic preservation, specifically in the designated downtown district.

Once selected, Designated Communities receive:

  • Comprehensive technical assistance in all areas of the Main Street Approach designed to further economic development downtown.
  • Training in strategic planning, program capacity building, and organizational management for the Main Street organization.
  • Individualized training for Main Street managers, boards, and other Main Street participants.
  • Attendance to statewide, Main Street-specific, quarterly trainings and professional development opportunities for participant communities.
  • Access to design services on an as-needed basis to help downtown property owners undertake effective rehabilitation, restoration, adaptive re-use, and infill projects, as well as the reimagining of public spaces within the district.  
  • Access to state and national grant funds (when available).
  • Membership to the Main Street America network.
  • At least one paid registration to participate in the annual Main Street America national conference.

To learn more about how to become a Designated Kansas Main Street Community and what that entails, contact our staff below.

Affiliate Communities

To expand the program’s reach and bring similar revitalization tools to more communities, the Affiliate Community program has been created. Participation as an Affiliate Community costs $400 annually, and it allows members to send up to four people to the same quarterly trainings offered to Designated Kansas Main Street communities. Anyone—including individuals, businesses, and civic organizations—may join the Affiliate Program.

Track Record of Success in Kansas

From 1985 to 2012, more than $600 million in redevelopment took place in participating Kansas communities. This included the opening or expansion of 3,800 small businesses, creating more than 8,600 new jobs. With the return of the state program in 2020, 25 previously participating communities and new programs will once again have the resources and tools they need to breathe new life into their communities and historic commercial districts.

Kansas Main Street is Back

Designated Kansas Main Street Programs

Contact Kansas Main Street

Want to Learn More About Community Development Programs?

In Partnership with the Office of Rural Prosperity.

en_USEnglish