Page 106 - South Mississippi Living - August, 2018

DOWNTOWNS main street success
PASCAGOULA
Knows why a partnership with Main Street matters
story by City of Pascagoula photos by Jeff Baldock and courtesy of City of Pascagoula
From the small towns that struggle to keep downtown commerce alive to large urban cities with a “core” that has been lost to suburban sprawl, all throughout America the “Main Street”
movement has taken hold. Here are a few reasons why:
COLLABORATION:
Main Street organizations convene a large variety of stakeholders. Local historians, entrepreneurs, beautification and zoning enthusiasts,
special events producers, and city/county
leaders all agree that a Main Street group assesses opportunities to promote central business districts and can easily work with redevelopment authorities and historic societies for a best outcome. INNOVATION:
Main Streets have the latitude to embrace what is unique and even quirky about a city and build excitement around creative ideas. Who better to grant monies to businesses
so they can upgrade their facades, signage, lighting — all of which attracts patrons and potential new businesses?
CATALYST FOR GROWTH:
Many entrepreneurs agree that Main
Streets generate a following of downtown supporters and enthusiasts by promoting businesses, events, and activities that draw potential residents, tourists, and businesses to town. Exploiting synergies among people, groups, businesses and organizations is the hallmark of a Main Street.
People reaching out to officials or visiting a town for the first time tend to look to its City Hall
and neighboring town center as the epicenter of that city. In the case of Pascagoula, last year it elected a new Mayor and five of
the six members of the city council. They looked to the Main Street organization as
an MVP in rallying the community and revitalizing downtown Pascagoula. Leaders formalized their relationship with Main Street Pascagoula, and in one short year have realized its value for the community.
“This was all very logical to me. During both my campaign and this first, critical
year in office, I just wanted to restructure city government; build the right team and then put our shoulders to the boulders and get the city cleaned up and moving forward. This enhances civic pride, when every person
106 SOUTH MISSISSIPPI Living • August 2018
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PASCAGOULA MAYOR Dane Maxwell, recently recognized as a Main Street Hero by the state’s Main Street Association.