Rhode Island is full of beloved village centers, downtowns and “main streets” that are ideal places for communities to gather and small businesses to prosper. However, thriving places don’t happen by accident, and far too many of our commercial corridors fall short of their potential. That’s why Rhode Island needs Main Street RI: a statewide Main Street coordinating program that will support the revitalization, growth and promotion of these great places. 

A Focused, Centralized Network

Place-based work in Rhode Island is currently undertaken by our dedicated chambers of commerce, neighborhood associations, municipalities, friends groups, and others. A Main Street program will connect these leaders to foster an exchange of ideas and knowledge, while facilitating collaboration, communication, and capacity building all with the aim of transforming our main streets into great streets.

A Proven Approach

2,000 communities around the country have used the Main Street Approach to revitalize their corridors, downtowns, and town centers. This comprehensive approach brings together all of the elements that make up great places:

  • thriving businesses
  • a safe, accessible, and attractive physical environment
  • consistent promotion, and
  • intentional, sustained organization of the people doing the work.

Nationwide Relationships

Structured through the framework that Main Street America has been leading and developing for over 40 years, Main Street RI would bring best practices of the Main Street Approach to Rhode Island. Forty-six other states and regions currently participate in this national program.

Demonstrated Results

Between 1980 and 2022, Main Street districts around the country have produced the following results:

  • over $101 billion in private and public reinvestment has been generated
  • over 168,693 new businesses have opened
  • 746,897 jobs were created
  • 325,119 buildings have been rehabilitated
  • In total, returns on investment have averaged over $30 for every $1.00 of investment in main street programs
  • Some states, such as Iowa, estimate as much as $72 in private investment for every $1.00 in public main street funding.

Why Grow Smart RI?

Main Street and downtown revitalization has always been a part of Grow Smart RI’s commitment to sustainable economic growth and quality of place. Since 1998 we have been convening cross-sector coalitions of change agents to make Rhode Island better. After COVID-19 demonstrated the value of our small businesses and community public spaces, we believe the time is now for Grow Smart RI to take the lead on this important initiative.

Attend a Main Street RI Event

Join us for a series of free virtual presentations and discussions focused on Rhode Island’s commercial districts – our downtowns, Main Streets, and neighborhood centers. Each session will explore a topic related to making these places stronger – as community gathering places and thriving locations for small businesses. We host a Roundtable discussion every month. Find out more and register for the next one!

Register for our Next Roundtable Event!

Get Involved

We are building a movement of interested stakeholders to help us establish this new program. Here are some ways you can help:

1. Sign up for our e-newsletter below.
2. Follow us on Twitter @MainStreetRI
3. Spread the word and share this page with your local leaders.
4. Call or email your state legislators and advocate for funding for a 3-year pilot program.

Curious to Learn More?

Read our proposal HERE.