A few Oakland County downtowns can now say they are among the best in the country.
The National Main Street Center has nationally accredited 11 Oakland County Main Street communities, which join nearly 2,000 other downtowns across America.
The communities selected were Clawson, Farmington, Ferndale, Franklin, Highland, Holly, Lake Orion, Ortonville, Oxford, Pontiac and Rochester. All are Main Street Oakland County select level communities, the highest of three levels.
Main Street Oakland County is the county’s economic development program for downtowns, with a historic preservation philosophy and an emphasis on “sense of place.”
“The Main Street Oakland County program is our proven gem,” said County Executive L. Brooks Patterson. “I directed my staff to join Main Street 17 years ago, hoping to start a program of revitalization in downtowns in Oakland County. I’ve been thrilled with its success. It has created jobs and new businesses in a big way. I congratulate all of the communities on their national recognition.”
In order to become a nationally accredited downtown, there are specific benchmark criteria that must be met including:
• Broad-based community support
• Vision and mission statements
• Comprehensive work plan
• Historic preservation ethic
Active board and committees
• Adequate operating budget
• Paid professional Main Street program manager
• Program of ongoing training
• Reporting of key statistics
• Main Street network membership
Clawson, Farmington, Ferndale, Franklin, Highland, Holly, Lake Orion, Ortonville, Oxford, Pontiac and Rochester received perfect scores. The accreditation means a community scored 10 out of 10 on its annual evaluation.
Farmington received special recognition for having received national accreditation for 10 years. It joins Ferndale, Lake Orion, Ortonville and Rochester as Main Street Oakland County communities which have been accredited for at least 10 years.
Oakland County is the only county in the nation with its own Main Street Program.
