California Main Street Conference Taking Over Downtown SLO For The First Time
Jarrod Zinn
SAN LUIS OBISPO, Calif. (KEYT) – San Luis Obispo is hosting an annual event for leaders in commercial district revitalization across California.
City leaders from across the state are here.
With a focus on what they call “the main street approach,” leaders from as far as Eureka have come to downtown San Luis Obispo for the California Main Street Conference.
Exhibits, presentations, and networking opportunities are filling the next three days in downtown SLO at iconic spots like the Palm Theatre, SLO Museum of Art, and Mission Plaza.
“We are so excited to be able to show off our amazing city, our amazing downtown, and what it takes to make things be amazing,” says LeBren Harris, C.E.O. of Downtown SLO.
Subjects such as key trends, best practices, and cutting-edge strategies for various facets of economic development including housing, tourism, promotion, and streetscape improvements are all covered throughout the conference.
“Downtowns are the identity of the city, and these downtowns are very much part of the beginning of the city,” says Blake Fisher, Downtown Redding’s Main Street coordinator. “And so what we’ve been working on in our downtowns now for revitalization efforts are just a small portion of the history that we’re seeing from when downtowns were established to coming up in the future.”
Sprung from “Main Street America,” the California Main Street Conference has a four-pillared approach which includes design, economic vitality, promotion, and organization.
“Under those four pillars, we give them the tools to strengthen their internal organization and build their board and community support, recruit volunteers, and basically build their capacity as organizations,” says Brooke Fox, California Main Street’s state coordinator.
The SLO county Chamber Of Commerce’s mixer at Mission Plaza Wednesday evening concluded the conference’s kick-off day with brand-new tables and chairs, adding even more vibrance to the heart of downtown.
“I’m looking forward to exploring this beautiful Main Street and learning what I’m learning here and taking it back to Redding, California,” says Fisher.
Registration is open to anyone interested in revitalization efforts, and there are two more full days of the conference.
For more information about the conference including a full schedule, event maps, and registration, visit the California Main Street website by clicking here.
The Latest Breaking News, Weather Alerts, Sports and More Anytime On Our Mobile Apps. Keep Up With The Latest Articles by Signing Up for the News Channel 3-12 Newsletter.