Downtown remains important element

We all realize that the downtown areas of communities, both large and small, have experienced stress (to say the least) as a result of economic changes over the years.

Most of us remember the vibrant atmosphere that existed in downtown areas in years past as the businesses located there were the focus of commercial life.

In fact, it hasn't been that long ago that the concept of "strip malls" or "big box stores" was unheard of. The action was on Main Street.

Certain economic trends will never be reversed, of course, and it's not likely that "Downtown America" will ever be the same as it was in the days of our youth. But that doesn't mean cities shouldn't continue to make the effort to restore and revitalize the core of their communities.

"Your downtown is the most visible indicator of community pride," according to a fact sheet from the Arkansas Historic Preservation Program. "Downtown is either an asset or a liability in the effort to recruit new residents, new businesses and industries, retirees, tourists and others to your community and keep those you already have. Quality of life will be what separates successful cities and counties from declining communities in the new millennium."

There are concrete economic factors associated the effort of promoting down and vibrant local businesses:

--6 cents of every dollar spent with a big box retailer is retained/recirculated in a community.

--20 cents of every dollar spent with a chain store is retained/recirculated in a community.

--60 cents of every dollar spent with a sole proprietorship is retained/recirculated in a community.

There are other reasons why investment in the downtown makes good economic sense.

Rehabilitation work in the downtown area stimulates the local economy with the use of local labor and materials.

Handled correctly, a restored downtown area, as well as other renovation and promotion efforts in the community, can be a source of visitors and tourism.

A healthy downtown provides jobs and generates taxes for local institutions.

A restored and attractive downtown area serves as a good "advertisement" for the community, leading to new residents, other business development and possible industrial growth.

"Your downtown is the core of your community heritage," AHPP points out. "The architecture of downtown is a physical expression of your community's history. Main Street Arkansas encourages economic development through a historic preservation context so this legacy can be passed on to future generations."

Each community should take a good, hard look at its downtown area and see what can be done to help revive the "feeling" that once existed. Admittedly, one can't turn back the clock, but there is no reason a large portion of the excitement and vibrancy cannot be rekindled.

The downtown area is the symbol of community economic health, the partnership between the private and the public sector, the local quality of life, local pride and community history.

It takes vision and hard work, but the result will be a core atmosphere that goes a long way in defining the essential health and future of each community.