The Strategic Plan
Plus The Main Street Approach and  Question & Answers

MISSION
The Richmond Main Street Initiative is a community-based nonprofit corporation dedicated to revitalizing historic downtown Richmond as a pedestrian-friendly urban village, offering products, services, arts and entertainment that reflect the community’s rich and diverse heritage.

MARKET POSITION
“Downtown Richmond is a neighborhood which includes a commercial district that provides convenience and specialty retail and services to residents and office workers in the Iron Triangle and nearby neighborhoods. Downtown also has arts and cultural offerings that attract Richmond residents and visitors from the entire East Bay region.”

GOALS
• Evolve RMSI into a mature organization with a diversified funding stream, an established reputation and clout in the community, and consensus-driven collaboration with local stakeholders working towards commercial district revitalization and implementing the relevant portions of the Macdonald Avenue Revitalization Plan.

• Develop downtown into a regional arts and cultural destination.

• Develop downtown as the center of neighborhood life for the Iron Triangle.

• Strengthen downtown’s economic base through business retention, targeted recruitment, social entrepreneurship and financing, trend monitoring and education, and new development.

• Market downtown and produce special events to attract shoppers, new businesses and employees from the local businesses.

• Implement visible physical improvements, including streetscape upgrades and creative building re-use, to spur broader rehabilitation downtown and enhance a pedestrian friendly environment.

• Work with police and code enforcement personnel to promptly tackle blight and safety problems that impede commercial district usage and development.

The Main Street Approach

The Main Street Approach to commercial district revitalization is effective because it is comprehensive and community-driven. Merchants, property owners, and residents become partners and take action on a wide variety of community issues. Everyone benefits from an increased sense of pride and place, safer and cleaner neighborhood, better products and services, and community-oriented events. Here are the main objectives…

DESIGN
Enhancing the physical appearance of downtown Richmond:

• Façade and Street Scape Improvements
• Design Education/Visual Merchandising
• "Art In Windows" Displays

PROMOTION
Marketing historic downtown and generating activities to attract residents, merchants and the greater East Bay to downtown Richmond:

• Summer Concert Series
• Music on the Main
• Holiday Lighting Ceremony and Reception
• Holiday Promotions of Downtown Businesses

ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT
Strengthening and broadening the economic base of downtown Richmond:

• Small Business Workshops
• Business Recruitment and Retention
• Market Analysis and Strategies

CLEAN AND SAFE
Enhancing the public safety and cleanliness of the Richmond Main Street district:

• Community Garden Plantings and Clean Ups
• TAG Team Graffiti Removal
• Crime Prevention Through Environmental Design (CPTED) visits to downtown businesses

Questions & Answers

Q: WHAT IS THE RICHMOND MAIN STREET INITIATIVE?

A: The Richmond Main Street Initiative is a nonprofit organization that partners with the City of Richmond, merchants, and residents to implement its comprehensive, community-driven approach to developing and improving downtown Richmond. The target area includes Macdonald Avenue from 8th to 19th Streets, between Bissell and Nevin Avenues.

Q: I'M A LOCAL BUSINESS OWNER. WHY SHOULD I SUPPORT AND WORK WITH RMSI?

A: Advocacy, safety & cleanliness, promotions, and training! Richmond Main Street's central purpose is to listen to merchants' needs, and work with them to achieve shared goals and objectives. Business assistance is provided one-on-one and through various workshops. RMSI connects businesses with lending institutions and helps market businesses to potential consumers.

Q: I'M A RICHMOND RESIDENT. WHY SHOULD I BE INVOLVED?

A: You will help decide how the heart of Richmond evolves! Richmond Main Street brings residents and merchants together to
1) identify issues of mutual concern,
2) propose solutions, and then
3) take action.
This work can be related to safety and cleanliness issues, choosing what businesses come into downtown, improving business and customer service, and much more!