Connecticut Main Street Center follows a national model called the Main Street Approach to Downtown Revitalization, currently utilized in over 1,800 communities. Developed by the National Trust for Historic Preservation, the program advances economic development within the context of historic preservation and advocates public-private partnerships to ensure lasting success.

The Main Street Four Point Approach™ is about increasing the value of your downtown!
Organization - increasing the civic value of downtown by building consensus and cooperation among groups that play a role in the downtown. The Four Point Approach builds a framework for sensible volunteer-driven programming that matches the community's assets and potential.

Promotion - increasing the social value of downtown through branding (creating a positive image of downtown), retail promotions, and special events.

Design - increasing the physical value of downtown through both new and rehabilitation construction and through the design of public spaces that will attract more people to walk and gather on a regular basis.

Economic Restructuring - increasing the economic value of downtown by diversifying it with an appropriate mix of current and new businesses suitable for the given marketplace.