JOINT RESOLUTION TO ESTABLISH A STATEWIDE MAIN STREET COORDINATING PROGRAM

This resolution establishes "Main Street Rhode Island," a statewide program managed by Grow Smart RI to revitalize commercial districts like downtowns, retail corridors, and neighborhood centers. It authorizes $500,000 in state funding to implement the proven "Main Street Four Points Approach," including training, networking, technical assistance, and resources for local communities. The program will operate for three years under the Commerce Corporation’s oversight, with Grow Smart RI handling coordination and annual reporting on goals like hiring a coordinator and hosting educational events. It directly affects Rhode Island’s municipalities and business districts seeking to boost economic activity, tourism, and community vitality through a centralized, state-supported initiative.