Urban Planning Fundamentals: Revitalizing Commercial Main Streets

Commercial main streets are the heart of a community, yet many struggle with vacancy, outdated infrastructure, and loss of identity. This course provides a structured, step-by-step framework for diagnosing the challenges facing these critical districts and developing comprehensive, community-focused revitalization plans. By the end of this course, you will be prepared to lead or contribute to a main street initiative, armed with proven strategies for assessing needs, engaging stakeholders, and implementing impactful physical and economic improvements. What you'll learn: * Learn the foundational models and historical context of urban main street planning and management. * Analyze physical, social, and economic indicators to conduct a thorough commercial district assessment. * Develop effective strategies for equitable community engagement and inclusive revitalization processes. * Apply modern concepts like tactical urbanism and data-driven planning for immediate, low-cost impact. * Configure management plans covering business retention, historic preservation, and sustainable infrastructure improvements. * Practice defining measurable goals and success metrics for long-term program sustainability. The course begins with key terminology and foundational concepts, progressing through structured assessment techniques, strategic goal setting, and practical implementation phases. The material emphasizes written analysis and planning exercises. This course is designed for beginners in urban planning, community development, economic development, and local civic leadership. No prior experience in planning or architecture is required. Start building the roadmap for your community's future today.