Daily Journal of Commerce: Oregon cities join program to help boost downtowns

Ten Oregon cities have been invited to participate in the Oregon Main Street Program, part of a national program that works to design, promote and economically restructure downtown commercial districts.

The three-level program is administered by the Oregon Economic and Community Development Department. The program levels include Exploring Downtown, Performing Main Street and Transforming Downtown, which allow cities to participate in training, community assessments, technical assistance and grant programs. The cities of Albany, Baker City, Oregon City and Roseburg will participate in the Performing Main Street program, and Carlton, La Grande, Oakridge, Riddle, Sandy and the North Northeast Business Association will participate in the Transforming Downtown program.

The communities became eligible for the program through a competitive selection process.