SALEM, Ore— Oregon Parks and Recreation Department (OPRD) is seeking public comment on proposed updates to the Oregon Main Street Network rule to include Oregon Main Street. (OAR 736-056-0000 through 736-056-0080).

Downtowns are traditionally the heart of a community – the social, economic, and civic center. Many of our downtowns in Oregon are “diamonds in the rough" that need a little polishing to sparkle once again. Others are vibrant and want to maintain their competitive advantage. Oregon Main Street helps communities wherever they are in their downtown revitalization efforts. They provide support to organizations who are ready to roll-up their sleeves; develop a vision for how they want their downtown to look, feel, and function; and then attract the people and financial resources to bring about the change they want to see happen.

Oregon Main Street is a statewide program implementing the Main Street Approach™ trademarked and managed by Main Street America. Oregon Parks and Recreation Department holds an annual agreement with Main Street America to be the official statewide coordinating program.

Oregon Main Street provides training and technical assistance to organizations participating in the Oregon Main Street Network depending on their tier participation level and allows all Network organizations access to the Oregon Main Street Revitalization Grant which funds building improvement projects that spur economic development (available once per biennium in odd years). The proposed rule will include parameters for participation in the Oregon Main Street Network, describe how resources will be provided to participating organizations, and establish primary structure for management of and participation in the Oregon Main Street Network. Currently, no OARs exist for the program and the program is linked to a significant statutorily created grant program.

The Oregon Main Street Network developed a set of recommendations to update the Oregon Main Street Network rule during their July 19, 2024, meeting.

OPRD is accepting comments until 5 p.m. August 31, 2024, and they can be made online, at a public hearing, in writing or via email:

Online: https://www.oregon.gov/oprd/PRP/pages/PRP-rulemaking.aspx

Mail: OPRD, attn: Helena Kesch, 725 Summer St NE, Suite C, Salem OR 97301

Email: OPRD.Publiccomment@oprd.oregon.gov

Virtual Public Hearing: 1 p.m. August 26th. Must register in advance to receive conference link. Register at https://us06web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_1vlYgeKzQCC7mPtUZbdo7g

Individuals who require special accommodations for the meeting should contact Helena Kesch at least three days in advance of the meeting at Helena.KESCH@oprd.oregon.gov or 503-881-4637.