Main Street RI

A Proposed Initiative of Grow Smart RI

Woonsocket, RI

Rhode Island’s beloved main streets, downtowns, and village squares are the hearts of our communities. The small businesses located in these traditional commercial districts fuel the state’s economy.

Grow Smart Rhode Island is looking to implement a statewide coordinating Main Street 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 leaders and organizations who currently approach this work differently, facilitating collaboration, communication, and capacity building.

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

Between1980 and 2019, Main Street districts around the country have produced the following results:

  • over $85 billion in private and public reinvestment has been generated
  • over 150,079 new businesses have opened
  • 672,333 jobs were created
  • 295,348 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.

More Information

Read the proposal HERE.

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.