Main Street programs nationally accredited.

Recognition acknowledges determination to meet principles

Kutztown, Boyertown, and Hamburg Main Street programs have been named Nationally Accredited Programs by the National Main Street Center, announced the Pennsylvania Downtown Center.

Building a Better Boyertown, Kutztown Community Partnership, and Our Town Foundation are among 35 Pennsylvania to receive National Accreditation Main Street Program status, which is seen as a prominent recognition, according to the Pennsylvania Downtown Center.

Accredited Main Street programs are evaluated annually by their coordinating program. Pennsylvania Downtown Center, the coordinating program of Main Street programs in Pennsylvania, is proud to see these downtowns acknowledged for their determination to meet Main Street principles. All of the 32 communities have met the ten performance standards required by National Main Street Center. These standards include topics such as training requirements, planning methods, and community involvement.

All Main Street programs involved have worked together to build an accomplished community revitalization effort through training and education. Receiving national accreditation shows that these programs are dedicated to creating a change in their community and leading as an example for other programs in the revitalization process.

Founded in 1987, the mission of Pennsylvania Downtown Center is to build and support the capacity of local nonprofit organizations, municipalities and individuals to enhance the overall well-being and sustainability of Pennsylvania’s communities.

OTF was also recognized as statewide accredited Elm Street program, being to enable local neighborhood revitalization leaders to achieve results, demonstrate worth, and build a sustainable program.

Sustainable Organization is of the utmost importance. This priority of focus stems from PDC’s many years of experience with the Main Street program. Neither downtown or neighborhood revitalization is a shortterm process; both require constant attention, which calls for sustained organizational capacity.

Though all Elm Street neighborhoods are expected to focus on action in all five areas, inevitably each neighborhood is different and will therefore exit the planning phase with its own unique set of priorities and goals. The Five Areas of Focus are: Clean, Safe & Green; Neighbors & Economy; Design; Image & Identity; Sustainable Organization.

Accredited Elm Street programs are evaluated annually by their coordinating program. PDC, the coordinating program of Main Street and Elm Street programs in Pennsylvania, is proud to see these downtown neighborhood programs acknowledged for their determination to meet Elm Street principles. Each of these downtown neighborhood programs has met the performance standards required by PA Downtown Center. These standards include topics such as training requirements, planning methods, and community involvement.

Receiving statewide accreditation shows that these programs are dedicated to creating a change in their community and leading as an example for other programs in the revitalization process.