Main Street Program Application

Interested in becoming a Main Street Program?

Learn more about the Oklahoma Main Street Center and how your community can join the movement.

Network, Select and Fully-Designated

Thank you for your interest in the Oklahoma Main Street Program.

The application process begins with attending the application workshop, offered at the Oklahoma Municipal League Annual Conference or via Zoom in September. Interested communities will then submit a Letter of Intent by November 2025, followed by the full application by January 9, 2026.

All applicants will initially enter at the Network level and must designate whether they intend to remain at that level or apply for the Main Street Select level after the initial two year commitment. Applications will be accepted once per year in 2026, with the possibility of moving to a twice-per-year cycle beginning in 2027.

Communities will be notified of acceptance within 30 days of submission, with formal recognition taking place during Main Street Day at the Capitol.

Network Program Application Process

All questions must be answered
To be eligible to apply, attendance at the annual Application Workshop is required (either in person at Oklahoma Municipal League Annual Conference or by zoom). Registration is required and available at okmsf.org.

Associate Program

The two year Associate Program is for communities that need to build capacity toward applying as a Fully Designated Main Street Program. The Associate Program has limited requirements and access to limited Main Street services.

Associate Programs are expected to have paid part-time staff equaling one person for 20 hours a week. Associate members will also operate with a volunteer board of directors, much like Fully Designated Programs.

Fully Designated Program

Fully-designated programs are required to hire a Main Street program director to work exclusively in the designated project area. A successful revitalization program requires a program director to facilitate/coordinate the Main Street Board and the public/private sectors to implement a work plan for the designated area. Depending on population, this person would be full (over 5,000) or part-time (under 5,000).

Fully Designated communities are subject to criteria set by the National Trust’s National Main Street Center and receive the complete suite of Main Street services including access to national resources. These include:

Tech Visits – specialized by point within first two years
Resource Team Visits – after the first year using an independent professional along with state staff
One-on-one opportunities with independent consultants
Two officially designated Main Street highway signs
Community analysis retail report ($500+ value)
First three years of National Main Street membership paid by state coordinating program
Access to National Main Street staff
Access to Library and other online resources through National Main Street
Access to state and national listservs
Reinvestment milestone recognition

Eligibility Requirements for Fully Designated and Associate Level Programs

Application Workshop
You must have had representation at the annual application workshop held each September to apply for the following year.
Funding
Verification of first year funding and initial three year start-up commitment. Applicant understands that the program seeks to set up permanent management for the downtown area. On-going funding and support will be required. Note that a letter from the donor is requested for all donated in-kind services.
Organization
Commitment to establish an organization or the existence of a steering committee is also required.
Letter of intent due November 8, 2024
Applications due by 5 p.m., January 10, 2025

For assistance contact the Oklahoma Main Street Center at 405-815-6552.

Your Main Street Team

Let us know how we can help.

As Director of the Oklahoma Main Street Program, Buffy leads the team responsible for revitalizing and supporting Oklahoma’s Main Street communities. Alongside her team, she brings resources, strategic planning and more to some of our state’s most historic districts.

Buffy Skee

State Main Street Director

Tamara promotes economic development in Oklahoma’s Main Street communities. In her role, she builds relationships by working with community and business leaders to discover untapped assets, grow partnerships and plan and execute events that promote the best our Main Streets have to offer.

Tamara Nelson

Economic Vitality Specialist

Anna promotes economic development as the key driver of technology, tourism and efficiency. Anna keeps abreast of all things that help to simplify processes, keep projects in motion and communication lines open between communities, partnerships and visitors.

Anna Schilling

Program Coordinator

As Program Coordinator, Kelli supports Oklahoma Main Street communities through strategic marketing and planning, public relations and social media, event planning and more. She works with the communities to identify best practices and promotes the sharing of information between communities.

Kelli Yadon

Program Coordinator

Karla serves as the liaison, and point of contact for, the Oklahoma Route 66 Commission as well as the steward of the Oklahoma Route 66 grant applications and awards. She monitor projects, deadlines and finances to ensure successful completion of these grant-related projects and other Main Street related grant opportunities.

Karla Jackson

Oklahoma Rt. 66 Grant Coordinator

Whitney Redding

Administrative Assistant