This summer, NM MainStreet’s Senior Organization & Capacity Building Revitalization Specialist Amy Barnhart and Project Coordinator Lucas Pedraza presented “Keeping City Hall in the Loop: Strategic Government Communications for MainStreet Organizations” to the network. This presentation provided insight and inspiration on communication strategies and relationship building. Amy and Lucas also showcased best practices from T or C, San Pedro, Downtown ABQ and Carlsbad districts.
Their presentation and recorded webinar are available at the bottom of this post.
Amy and Lucas laid out a clear roadmap for how MainStreet programs can strengthen relationships with city staff and elected officials, build trust and secure long-term support. They encouraged MainStreet leaders to go beyond the fundamental requirements and seize on the opportunity to improve their organization’s visibility and impact.
GO BEYOND THE BASICS
Most MainStreet districts submit monthly or quarterly reports, make annual budget requests for their contract, and present to the local council once a year. Here’s where districts can go beyond the basics – they have an opportunity to fill in the gaps with:
- Proactive and strategic communication
- Building relationships with staff and elected officials
- Visibility outside the required touchpoints
- Impactful storytelling
To feel connected with MainStreet’s mission and be connected year-round, partners need to consistently see MainStreet’s impact and understand the value the organization brings to the community.
Amy also advised that required reporting checks all the boxes:
- It mirrors your contract in an orderly way to make it easy for staff to read.
- It’s not an attendance sheet but instead shows data, stories and photos.
- It includes extra info on staff going above and beyond to support the district.
- And it’s never late which signals disorganization and disrespect.
KNOW YOUR AUDIENCE
Municipal partners want clear, convincing information to understand MainStreet’s value.
In your reports and ongoing communication, show partners:
- Return on investment (ROI): money brought into the community through grants and NM MainStreet technical assistance, local business revenue and reinvestment
- Contract deliverables: proof MainStreet is meeting or exceeding expectations
- Data: vacancies, foot traffic, volunteer hours and new businesses are all reported to NM MainStreet biannually
- Impact stories: ask business owners and residents to give testimonials, provide project before/after photos and milestones
- Alignment with their priorities: connect work to city council goals and plans
- What’s ahead: upcoming events, projects and goals
MainStreet’s annual funding request and presentation should be a polished narrative of the district’s impact.
Presentations should:
- Start with an elevator pitch, a few sentences that clearly explain the MainStreet district and purpose.
- Share the mission and demonstrate MainStreet’s accomplishments using real examples and data.
- Include ROI totals and the amount of NM MainStreet free technical assistance brought to the community (Lucas can provide these numbers). You can calculate the amount of outside funding brought into the district. With a simple calculation you can show, for example, that for every dollar your local government gave you, you brought $4 back to the community!
- Show that contract deliverables have been met.
- Provide a copy of the operating budget showing other funding sources and a thoughtful case for any requested increase.
Use your program’s annual performance report and impact report as a foundation. Giving a mid-year report is a high-impact and voluntary touchpoint that signals professionalism and accountability.
NM MainStreet Graphic Design Revitalization Specialists Leighton Moon can design an impact report through a service request! Make sure to include key statistics and quotes from local leaders. View impact report examples on our website.
STAY IN TOUCH
The strongest MainStreet programs maintain consistent visibility with municipal partners all year long. Here are the strategies that work:
- Present at council meetings or provide public comments to advocate for the district
- Email updates regularly to build rapport
- Create handouts and share copies with officials
- Schedule one-on-one meetings to build trust
- Invite officials to ribbon cuttings and events. Give them a great photo opportunity!
- Help solve problems regarding downtown issues
Connect with partners to grow your relationship and foster trust:
- Understand their mindset: Learn how officials think and what they prioritize.
- Engage stakeholders and collaborate: Build rapport with staff, council members and key leaders. Use a work or strategic plan to show shared goals.
- Avoid surprises: Plant seeds early for upcoming projects or votes.
- Frame public value: Show how MainStreet work saves money, supports businesses and improves quality of life.
- Data-driven communication: Use an annual performance and impact report to reinforce MainStreet’s credibility.
Maintain visibility throughout the year by sharing stories of MainStreet’s impact, backed by data. As officials and staff turnover, introduce yourself and educate them on your organization. Don’t wait for budget season to build a case, always be on their radar to demonstrate your organization’s value.
EXAMPLES FROM LOCAL MAINSTREETS
MainStreet districts in T or C, San Pedro, Downtown ABQ and Carlsbad showed how these strategies translate into stronger partnerships and increased funding.
Visibility at Council Meetings
Becca from T or C provides a spreadsheet detailing project updates, upcoming events and completed work for commission meetings every month.
Friendly FYI Emails and Invitations to Officials
San Pedro’s excellent newsletter provides project updates, calls to action and event invites.
Year-End Impact Snapshots
Downtown ABQ’s impact reporting shows contract deliverables and alignment.
Carlsbad’s reporting demonstrates their worth and justifies their funding request.
MainStreet districts thrive when partners understand, value and champion their work leading to smoother contract renewals and long-term support. MainStreet and local leaders are vital to their community’s economic future – go farther by working together!