Goals
Provide meaningful support to Florida’s historic downtown districts by addressing gaps in service between Florida Main Street and local programs.
Develop strong collaborations that expand resources and opportunities to strengthen organizations, their leaders, and their communities.
Advocate for funding and tools that directly empower and sustain Florida’s downtown districts.
Monitor and engage in legislation that affects Florida’s downtowns, ensuring alignment with Main Street standards and national best practices.
OUR Focus
AWARENESS:
We strengthen program managers and downtown leaders through the exchange of best practices, resources, and innovative ideas that support thriving downtown districts across Florida.
EDUCATION:
We believe programs are most effective when led by trained directors who are well-versed in nonprofit management as well as the tools and principles of the Main Street Approach.
ADVOCACY:
We serve as a voice for Florida’s downtowns — engaging with government agencies, elected
officials, and partners on issues that impact Main Street districts statewide.
Why Florida Downtown Association?
On July 23, 2019, a group of Florida Main Street Executive Directors and Program Managers came together with a shared belief that Florida’s downtowns hold extraordinary promise. Florida Main Street was already doing incredible work with the resources they had. Communities across the state were growing stronger, celebrating their history, and creating places where people feel connected.
As we looked at programs across the country, we noticed something that sparked our imagination. Florida already had the talent, the leadership, and the heart. What we needed was to unlock more potential. With the right investment, more communities could grow their capacity, expand their vision, and shape the future of their downtowns with confidence.
The vision became clear. Florida could lead the way. Florida Downtown Association was created to help make that vision real.
We believe in the power of Florida Main Street. We believe in the people who champion their communities every day. We believe that when those leaders have the support they need, they can create change that lasts for generations.
We also understand that not every downtown is structured to participate in the Florida Main Street program. Every community still deserves a path to thrive. Florida Downtown Association works with towns and cities to build practical strategies that fit their unique circumstances. That includes working with local governments and community redevelopment agencies to help them access funding, strengthen partnerships, and put the right tools in place to support their goals.
We advocate at every level of government to create more opportunities for local communities. We work to open doors to new funding and to secure resources that build strong, vibrant, and connected downtowns across the state.
Florida can be a model for what is possible when people believe in the places they call home. We can build a future where downtowns continue to thrive and shine, where local leaders have the tools they need to succeed, and where communities grow stronger together.