KUSTRA ANNOUNCES SECOND YEAR
OF DOWNTOWN REVITALIZATION

Lieutenant Governor Bob Kustra recently announced the establishment of the Illinois Main Street program in the Office of the Lieutenant Governor, launching the second year of the state's rural downtown revitalization initiative and expanding to four more communities.

"Starting last year, nine Illinois communities were introduced to the basics of reviving their downtowns in the rural downtown revitalization initiative," said Kustra. "This summer four additional towns will be selected to participate in what is now Illinois Main Street, receiving training in downtown management."

Approximately 100 downtown leaders from the first nine Illinois Main Street communities — Danville, Golconda, Macomb, Mattoon, Mt. Carrnel, Paxton, Prophetstown, Salem and Savanna — met in a spring conference in Macomb to share ideas and receive additional training.

"With workshops focused on economic development and fundraising, community leaders have an opportunity to develop needed downtown management skills," said Kustra. "Each of the nine communities has made significant strides in building a downtown management organization during the past year and will be working to implement a long-term, comprehensive revitalization plan."

According to Kustra, preparations are underway for the second year of the program. In mid-April applications were mailed to all incorporated towns with a population of less than 50,000 that are not located in Cook County or in the collar counties surrounding Cook County. Eligible towns also must be situated more than 15 miles from cities with population greater than 50,000. Deadline for submitting applications is Friday, June 10.

"I encourage community leaders to submit applications to become an Illinois Main Street town," said Kustra. "The enthusiastic response to this program reinforces my continued support for efforts that strengthen the economic base and enhance the quality of life in Illinois communities."

The Illinois Main Street program is based on the nationally recognized approach and offers a self-help survival guide for downtowns. For additional information about the program, contact Valecia Crisafulli, coordinator, at 217-524-6869.

The program was created through the Rural Affairs Council, which Kustra chairs.

May 1994 / Illinois Municipal Review / Page 23