By Jonathan Irick, Staff Associate, Main Street South Carolina
The Main Street NOW 2024 conference that recently took place in Birmingham, Alabama, brought together downtown revitalization advocates from around the nation, including numerous representatives from South Carolina, where they exchanged innovative ideas and celebrated community-driven economic development aimed at rejuvenating Main Street communities.
The conference reinforced the importance of fostering local economies, preserving historic character, and enhancing the quality of life for all residents through a combination of public and private investment, creative placemaking, and strong community involvement.
Alicia Griffith, director of the Clover Main Street program, was among those learning from her colleagues across the country, noting that the conference had “numerous valuable lessons on investment strategies, fostering community trust and marketing tactics, to name a few.”
While the annual conference places a strong emphasis on downtown revitalization practitioners, there is a special track just for elected officials. Local government leaders play a pivotal role in shaping policies that support economic growth, preservation efforts and community engagement. The City of Florence, which in 2023 received the prestigious Great American Main Street Award for its work revitalizing downtown Florence, had several presenters and representatives in attendance, including Assistant City Manager Clint Moore.
“As a municipal official attending the Main Street Conference, you are provided with insight and ideas on how other communities have tackled similar issues that your community is experiencing,” Moore said. “The conference is also an opportunity to have collaborative discussions with peers on their successes and how you can apply those strategies to increase success in your downtown. Exchanging ideas in this way will help any municipality as you develop future plans such as your Comprehensive Plan, Downtown Master Plan, and many of the other planning initiatives your community may develop to work towards creating the best community you can offer your residents.”
For example, sessions on leveraging public-private partnerships highlighted how local governments can work alongside businesses and nonprofits to drive sustainable development. Workshops on urban design and historic preservation demonstrated how maintaining the unique character of downtown areas can attract talent while fostering a strong sense of place. Additionally, discussions on economic incentives and funding opportunities equipped elected officials with practical strategies to support small businesses and stimulate investment in their downtown cores.
In another showcase of South Carolina’s downtown revitalization efforts, Main Street SC shared insights on WeShopSC.com, the statewide digital marketplace developed with the Municipal Association of SC. Launched in 2023, WeShopSC is a digital space for both local community leaders and small businesses whose technology skills range from the most basic level to the most advanced. This space has been increasing small business discovery while also elevating business to business connections.
Beyond practical knowledge and inspiration, the Main Street America NOW conference serves as a powerful reminder of the broader impact of revitalized downtowns. Healthy, vibrant main streets are the heart of thriving communities where people foster social connections and a sense of belonging. They are hubs of economic activity, providing jobs and supporting local entrepreneurs. They are cultural centers, preserving history and showcasing the arts.
The Main Street South Carolina program of the Municipal Association of SC offers technical assistance to guide local revitalization programs in implementing the nationally recognized Main Street Four-Point Approach.