Page 82 - South Mississippi Living - August, 2018

DOWNTOWNS positive growth
How Do
Main Street Programs
Help Cities?
story by Susan Ruddiman Sphoto by Donn Hupp and courtesy of Rebecca Davis
ince Kay Miller and Rebecca Davis joined their respective Main Street organizations 16 years ago, they have seen a lot of positive growth.
As director of the Biloxi Main Street program, Miller was named Outstanding Director of
the Year by the Mississippi Main Street Association (MMSA) in
June. At the same recognition luncheon, Davis saw her Pascagoula Main Street program capture
two awards. Brady’s Steak and Seafood was named Outstanding New Development Project, and Pascagoula Mayor Dane Maxwell was declared a Main Street Hero.
“Most people think all we do are
events, and we do our fair share.
But we are all about revitalization
in our community through
beautification and helping our businesses,” Davis said.
MMSA was created in 1989 to provide technical assistance to member towns which focuses on issues embraced by the Four Point Approach of Main Street — Organization, Promotion, Design and Economic Vitality. This approach, which was developed in the 1970s, helps communities preserve their heritage while building a vibrant commercial district. Cities and towns throughout Mississippi have to apply to be part of the Main Street
program. There are 51 designated communities today. “Every community is so different, but Main Street has
something for each of them to use,” Miller said. Biloxi’s downtown goes from Porter Avenue east to
Bellman Street. In that area are several pockets that bring vitality to the area — a restaurant
82 SOUTH MISSISSIPPI Living • August 2018
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Kay Miller and Rebecca Davis
district, arts center district and business district, Miller said. “It’s important to pull those areas together and help them connect.”
Miller stays abreast of property that is for rent or sale to match tenants to the property owners. She, as well as Davis in Pascagoula, gives out facade grants that help the owners spruce up business fronts.
As far as events, Biloxi Main Street hosts First Friday every month
and family bicycle rides the third Tuesday of the month — they ride for seven miles and then have supper at a restaurant.
Davis’ Main Street program goes from the Pascagoula River east to Market Street. “Our foundation is economic revitalization. I don’t think we would be doing these things in our towns if it wasn’t for the Main Street program,” she said. “Main Street is a breathe of fresh air.”