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player ready...When it comes to revitalizing their downtown, Elgin officials say, participation in the Illinois Main Street Program will lure new businesses to its core.
The City Council voted unanimously Wednesday to support a bid by the Downtown Neighborhood Association to apply for the program, which provides marketing support for participating communities.
To qualify, the city must meet 10 criteria, including strong support from downtown businesses and the hiring of a full-time executive director to manage the program.
“We have a lot going for us,” said Ruth Munson, a board member of the Downtown Neighborhood Association. “We have facade improvements and a city that’s interested in investing in the downtown.”
A full-time executive director would work to solicit new businesses to move downtown. One focus, said Munson, would be an entertainment and restaurant district.
The association expects the city will begin participating in the Main Street Program by June.