The following outlines the guiding documents that provide local Main Street programs direction. Colorado Main Street can provide sample documents and consulting services to create or update these resources.
Strategic Plans
Strategic plans set the goals of an organization, generally with a three- to five-year horizon. Elements include:
- Community profile. History and demographics – where your community has been, how it has changed, and where it looks to go in the future. For organizations like Main Streets that serve the community, feedback from residents should be integral to these aspirations.
- Vision statement. The vision statement is what the program wants to accomplish in the Main Street district — a short, clear and concise statement of what success looks like in five to 10 years.
- Mission statement. This core statement defines what your program is, providing the compass to point in the direction of success, as well as the “why, how, and for whom.” It clearly illustrates the program’s focus on the revitalization of the Main Street district.
- Main point. Identify the goals and strategies. What are the goals for your Main Street, and some of the major strategies? (The action steps to achieve the strategies will be a part of the work plan.)
- Helpful information. Such as program partners and potential funding sources, other plans (such as a master or comprehensive municipal plan) that helps guide the strategies identified.
- Explanation. How the plan was developed and who was involved.
Spotlight: Town of San Luis - Plans that Work for Your Community
Video Profile: Meeker
Colorado Main Street often helps official Main Street communities, as well as promising Aspiring Communities, with their strategic plan, mission, and vision.
Work Plans
Work plans outline the specific steps to achieve the goals of a strategic plan, clearly outlining the tasks that need to be accomplished, by whom, and when, as well as associated costs. Annual work plans are essential for Main Street boards to stay focused on priorities and keep the momentum throughout the year.
Work plans should include:
- Task: Project definition that identifies which strategy it addresses.
- Who: Who is the leader? Who is on the team, and what are their roles? Are there partners?
- A specific person should be identified to report on progress — and that person should not always be the Main Street manager, who needs to keep tabs on the progress of all projects.
- When: What is the timeframe? How long will it take to complete?
- How much: What is the cost - including staff time?
- Success: Means to measure the outcomes
Work plans should be approved by the board of directors. Examples and templates are available from Colorado Main Street, who also provides consultants to help develop them for official communities.
Spotlight: Town of San Luis - Plans that Work for Your Community
Video Profile: Meeker
Other Guiding Documents
Other guiding documents can help programs as they grow over time.
Program Bylaws
Bylaws define how the Main Street program will be managed and how it will operate. While not required to become an official Main Street community, nor to maintain that status, they are required as further evidence of sustainability to move up in the tiers.
Employee/Volunteer Handbook
An employee/volunteer handbook is a compilation of the policies, procedures, working conditions, and expectations that guide actions. It is a valuable communication resource for both the organization and the employee/volunteer.
Each employee/volunteer should receive a copy of the handbook to keep. Employees and volunteers should sign a statement indicating they have read and understand the material. Keep the signed statement in their personnel file.
Board Member Orientation Packet
Every new board member should be given an orientation packet that includes information about the local Main Street Program, the Main Street Approach, and Colorado Main Street services, as well as delineates clear roles and responsibilities for board members. New board members should review the materials on the Colorado Main Street website. Colorado Main Street is happy to provide a “Main Street 101” to local boards — as new information or a refresher.
To ensure that board members will abide by the program’s bylaws and are accountable for their roles and responsibilities, each board member should sign a letter of commitment that clearly describes the program’s expectations for its board members. This can be done at the first board meeting of the fiscal or calendar year.