Waterford, Michigan – Despite the COVID-19 pandemic, 12 Oakland County communities met the challenging performance standards required to receive national accreditation from Main Street America, Chicago: Berkley, Clawson, Farmington, Ferndale, Highland, Holly, Lake Orion, Ortonville, Oxford, Pontiac, Rochester and Royal Oak.

This annual accreditation process recognizes a Main Street Oakland County (MSOC) community’s exceptional commitment to preservation-based economic development and community revitalization through the Main Street Approach™.

“During a challenging year, our Main Street communities worked tirelessly to ensure their downtowns and commercial districts remained open, vital and vibrant for their residents and visitors,” said Oakland County Executive David Coulter. “They were critical partners in getting re-open kits, restaurant equipment and grant funding to their small businesses and they continue to play a critical role in this next stage of economic recovery.”

Each community is evaluated in 10 categories where they must meet or exceed the requirements. The accreditation process scores the communities on criteria such as community support, a historic preservation, mission and vision statements, having a paid professional manager and ongoing training.

The MSOC coordinating program was launched in 2000, and seven communities have received national accreditation for 10 or more years.

“To be recognized as an Accredited Main Street Community for 16 consecutive years is a great source of pride for our organization and our community. We are grateful for the support and resources we receive from Main Street Oakland County in our ongoing efforts to ensure that Downtown Rochester is a vibrant place that our community is proud to call home,” said Kristi Trevarrow, executive director, Rochester Downtown Development Authority.

Franklin, Lathrup Village, South Lyon and Wixom have received designation from Main Street America as an affiliate Main Street program in recognition of their commitment to creating meaningful improvements in their downtowns and commercial districts. In total, there are 25 MSOC communities at various service or membership levels.

Main Street is a trademarked program of the National Main Street Center. Oakland County is the first and only county in the U.S. to operate a full-service, countywide Main Street coordinating program. To date, nearly $963 million in public and private investments have been made to Main Street Oakland County downtowns, helping to establish 1,254 new businesses and generating 8,303 jobs.