Delaware Association for Public Administration Newark Wins Great American Main Street Award for 2011
The Downtown Newark Partnership (DNP) of Newark, Del., is one of five winners recognized as leaders in downtown revitalization at the National Trust for Historic Preservation’s 2011 Great American Main Street Awards® (GAMSA). The Downtown Newark Partnership was recognized for its exceptional accomplishments in revitalizing downtown Newark by using the proven Main Street Four-Point Approach®. GAMSA winners demonstrate exemplary achievement in the process of strengthening their downtowns and commercial districts based on the following selection criteria:
- Active involvement of the public and private sectors
- Broad-based community support for the revitalization effort
- Quality of achievements over time
- Innovative solutions to significant problems
- Commitment to historic preservation
- Evolving track record of successful commercial district revitalization
- Comprehensive revitalization effort: activity in all four points of the Main Street Four-Point Approach® to commercial district revitalization
- Economic impact of the revitalization program
- Successful small business development
The DNP was selected by a national jury comprising former award winners, community development professionals, and governmental agency representatives who are active in community economic development and historic preservation.
Using the Main Street methodology, Newark, Del., has evolved from a sleepy college town with a struggling downtown to a small-business hotbed and regional shopping, dining, and entertainment destination. By bringing together a diverse group of stakeholders, including the University of Delaware, elected officials, business owners, and residents, the Downtown Newark Partnership has capitalized on Newark’s business and tourism opportunities without losing its historic identity or small-city roots.
The Downtown Newark Partnership worked skillfully with public and private partners to find creative solutions to downtown’s challenges and to celebrate its assets and opportunities. With 26 new businesses opening and more than $30 million invested in the past 3.5 years and a popular year-round arts and events calendar that draws from miles around, Newark has emerged as a fun, attractive, and intelligent city for work and play.
—by Dana Johnston, Community Affairs Officer, City of Newark
photo courtesy of the City of Newark