Why Our Locally Owned Commercial Districts Are Important

Can malls and discount centers take the place of traditional commercial districts? The answer is a resounding "no." It may no longer be the sole option in the community, but the commercial district is much more than a shopping center. Here are some reasons why traditional, locally owned centers are still important:

1. Commercial districts are prominent employment centers. Even the smallest commercial district employs hundreds of people, and often the district is collectively the community's largest employer.
2. The commercial district is a reflection of community image, pride, prosperity, and level of investment — critical factors in business retention and recruitment efforts.
3. Locally owned centers represents a significant portion of the community's tax base.  If the district declines, property values drop, placing more of a tax burden on other parts of town.
4. The traditional commercial district is an ideal location for independent businesses, which in turn: 
   • Keep profits in town. Chain businesses send profits out of town
   • Support other local businesses and services
   • Supports local families with family-owned businesses
   • Supports local community projects, like teams and schools
   • Provide an extremely stable economic foundation, as opposed to a few large businesses and chains with no ties to stay in the community
5. Our locally owned centers are the historic core of our community. Its buildings embody the community's past and its visual identity.
6. A historic commercial district is often a major tourist attraction.  When people travel or shop, they want to see unique places — especially ones that offer a unique shopping "experience." 
7. A vital commercial districts' area reduces sprawl by concentrating retail in one area and uses community resources wisely, such as infrastructure, tax dollars, and land.
8. A healthy commercial districts' core protects property values in surrounding residential neighborhoods.
9. The commercial district offers convenience. Our locally owned centers are within walking distance of residential areas, providing easy accessibility for the community and reducing the reliance on auto-dependent shopping.
10. Our locally owned centers provide an important civic forum, where members of the community can congregate. Parades, special events, and celebrations held there reinforce intangible sense of community. Private developments like malls and strip centers can and do restrict free speech and access. 
11. The commercial district represents a huge public and private investment. Imagine how much it would cost to re-create all of the buildings and public infrastructure in our existing locally owned centers.

MAIN STREET-National Trust for Historic Preservation