Lakeport: California Main Street Demonstration City

In July of 1995, the City of Lakeport, after completing a thorough application and interview process was one of only ten cities statewide to receive the distinction of being designated a California Main Street Demonstration City.

Revitalization

Following the designation as a Demonstration City, the Lakeport Downtown Business Association changed its name to the Lakeport Main Street Association.  This non-profit organization, in partner with the City of Lakeport (insert downtown improvement plan link here), works to build relationships with the downtown business community and citizens in an effort to revitalize the Lakeport downtown area.  This comprehensive process is centered around the Main Street Program lead by a four point approach.

Four Point Approach

Organization means building consensus and cooperation between groups that play a role in the downtown.  This predominantly includes businesses, individuals, and organizations that have an economic and cultural stake in the viability of the downtown district. 

Promotion involves marketing the downtown’s unique characteristics to shoppers, investors, new businesses, tourists and others in order to create a positive image of the downtown. 

Design contributes to improving the downtown’s image by enhancing its physical appearance-not just that of buildings, but also street lights, window displays, parking areas, signs, and all other elements that convey a visual message about the downtown and what it has to offer. 

Economic Restructuring means strengthing the existing economic base of the downtown while diversifying it.  This would include economic restructuring activities such as helping existing downtown businesses expand, recruiting new businesses, converting unused space into productive property, and sharpening the competitiveness of downtown businesses.

Lakeport Main Street Association

Over the years, the Lakeport Main Street Association has been active in supporting the revitalization of Downtown Lakeport through events such as Taste of Lakeport, 4th of July Street Fair, Annual Beautification Day, Scarecrow Contest, and Christmas events such as the Push-Pull Parade for children, Santa’s Workshop, and the annual Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony.

The Lakeport Main Street Association also spearheads a number of projects such as downtown Clean Up Day, flags for Main Street, signage for downtown, and perhaps most ambitious, a Lamp Post dedication project that allows families who have lost loved ones to donate the lamps to the downtown area in honor of their loved one.  To find our more information on the Lakeport Main Street Association, please call: 707-263-8843.  The Offices of the Lakeport Main Street can be found in the Old Carnegie Library across from City Hall.