Main Street Milwaukie

Main Street Milwaukie is a volunteer-driven, grassroots economic development program focused on downtown Milwaukie.

The City of Milwaukie is assisting downtown businesses, property owners, and interested residents to initiate the “Main Street Milwaukie” program (with help from the Clackamas County Main Street Program and the State of Oregon).

The Milwaukie Main Street area includes all businesses located between Hwy 224 to the north, the railroad right-of-way to the east, Adams St to the south, and McLoughlin Blvd to the west. See a map here.

The Main Street Approach™

The Main Street Approach™ was developed by the National Trust for Historic Preservation, and is a proven comprehensive approach to downtown commercial district revitalization. This approach has been implemented in over 1,800 cities and towns in 45 states across the nation with the help of the National Main Street Center and statewide downtown revitalization programs. The success of the Main Street Approach™ is based on its comprehensive nature. Main Street groups organize their work around four areas, or “committees” (see individual pages for more information):

The Organization Committee focuses on the structure of the Milwaukie Main Street organization and resource development.
The Design Committee is dedicated to improving the physical appearance of downtown Milwaukie.
The Economic Vitality Committee focuses on identifying and supporting business opportunities.
The Promotions Committee is devoted to promoting the downtown and related businesses.

The Oregon Main Street Program has 3 levels of Main Street communities; Milwaukie is an "Exploring Main Street" community, which means we have demonstrated an interest in revitalizing our downtowns and want to learn more about the Main Street Approach™. You can find more information about the National Trust for Historic Preservation and the Main Street approach at the following sites:

National Trust for Historic Preservation: http://www.preservationnation.org/
National Main Street Center: http://www.preservationnation.org/main-street/
Oregon Main Street Program: http://www.oregon4biz.com/Grow-Your-Business/Business-services/Main-Street/
Clackamas County Main Street Program: http://www.clackamas.us/business/mainstreet/

Main Street Business Owner Resources

Business Incentives: The City of Milwaukie has a number of resources available for new and existing businesses in the City. See more at the Economic Development web page.
Downtown Market Analysis: With support from Clackamas County, Marketek, Inc., prepared a market analysis of downtown Milwaukie in 2009, incorporating responses from shoppers and downtown businesses. The report can be downloaded here.
Energy Efficiency on Main Street: Check out the Energy Efficiency on Main Street Program, which can help finance energy efficiency improvements in participating downtowns! Downtown Milwaukie businesses are eligible for the program.
City Codes: Wondering what City ordinances and codes apply to your downtown property? Find a list here.
Downtown Design Review: Not sure if the building maintenance or rehabilitation work you are planning requires downtown design review? Find out here.