Jan-Feb 2012 Index Page

Zoning at 85
by Edward T. McMahon 
This year marks the 85th anniversary of the landmark Supreme Court case that upheld the constitutionality of local zoning. Given the current debate about the appropriate role of regulation in shaping our communities, it seems timely to ask: “Do we still need zoning?”

2011 Great American Main Street Awards Profiles
by Andrea L. Dono
Read about the 2011 Great American Main Street Award winners in our series of community profiles. In this issue, we showcase two 2011 winners: Beloit, Wisconsin, and Fort Pierce, Florida.

Shop Talk: No Disaster Plan?
by Margie Johnson
Failing to plan is a plan to fail. ShopTalk author Margie Johnson outlines simple, practical ways for small businesses to create a disaster preparedness plan and points the way to many easy-to-access resources.

Real Estate TODAY: Trends in Commercial Office Space
by Andrew Farrell
Advancements in technology and the economy are changing not only the needs of the workforce but the needs for commercial office space. See how trends ranging from design to location are making smaller, older buildings on our Main Streets attractive options for conversion into office space.

AmeriCorps Opens Up New VISTAS for Downtown Delaware
by Diane Laird
Find out how Downtown Delaware used several AmeriCorps VISTA members to plan and implement key community development initiatives in several of its Main Street towns.

Network Notes
by Andrea L. Dono
As we start the new year, check out several studies that chart the economics of preservation, eCommerce, and walkability. Read about the Baltimore Main Streets visit to the White House, EPA’s 2011 Smart Growth Achievement Awards, and the first Arkansas Cornbread Festival. From the Main Street Center, we’ve just announced the semifinalists for the 2012 Great American Main Street Awards!