Sustainable Main Streets Initiative Update

Since Governor Ritter signed Executive Order D2010-007 on April 28, the Sustainable Main Streets Initiative has been making good progress. The Initiative outlines a collaborative, integrated process among state agencies, local communities, non-profits and the private sector to leverage technical and existing financial resources to help communities enhance the sustainability of their downtowns. Four Colorado communities are participating as pilots for the Initiative: Five Points Neighborhood of Denver, Town of Fowler, City of Monte Vista and City of Rifle.

Pilot community members, state agencies and foundation partners met July 1 at a workshop focused on identifying financial and technical resource opportunities. Governor Ritter also met with pilot community Champions and others to discuss progress on their efforts and listen to their experiences so far. Each of the pilot communities has identified specific sustainable outcomes they are working toward, such as increased use of renewable energy, reduced number of vacant storefronts, disaster-readiness enhancement and increased volunteer opportunities, to name a few.