TRANSFORMATION STRATEGIES
"The Main Street Approach is centered around Transformation Strategies. A Transformation Strategy articulates a focused, deliberate path to revitalizing or strengthening a downtown or commercial district’s economy. Each Transformation Strategy is implemented through activities in the four broad areas of work represented by the Four Points: Economic Vitality, Design, Promotion, and Organization" Main Street America
In the summer of 2024, Madison Main Street embarked on the journey to establish new transformation strategies.
Transformation Strategies – generated through meaningful community engagement and informed by an analysis of the district’s market position — help to guide a revitalization program’s work. An effective Transformation Strategy serves a particular customer segment, responds to an underserved market demand, or creates a differentiated destination.
These newly adopted strategies will drive the nonprofit and remain our focus for the next 3 years. Read below to learn more about each strategy of focus. Interested in learning more or how you can help? Contact us by sending email to info@madisonmainstreet.com
Organization
The Organization Committee is the backbone of the nonprofit. Focusing on strategic planning, finances, volunteers, and board recruitment. The 2026 committee chair is Jeff Brautigam.
2026 Workplans Include:
-
Annual Gala and Dessert Auction
-
Fundraising
-
Volunteer Appreciation
-
2027 Budget
-
2025 Annual Report
-
Multi-Year Strategic Plan
-
Onboarding/Ori. 4 Board Members
-
Finance Committee
Farmers Market
The Madison Farmers Market with Madison Main Street is a year-round 100% Producer-Only market held at the Broadway Fountain every Saturday. Volunteers, vendors, and customers show up each Saturday. The 2026 committee chair is Jared Bates.
2026 Workplans Include:
-
Music at the Market
-
Farmers Market Merch (Stay Tuned!)
-
Vendor Approval & Visits
-
Info Booth Updates
-
Kids Programming
-
National Farmers Market Week
-
2027 Farmers Market Budget Prep.
Local Living & Resident Engagement
Local Living and Resident Engagement focuses on new ways to engage Madison and Jefferson County residents with historic downtown Madison. While some workplans include events, strategies focus on target marketing and community needs. The 2026 committee chair is Colleen Sutton.
2026 Workplans Include:
-
Music in the Park
-
Holiday Open House
-
Small Business Saturday
Designing the Pedestrian Experience
Designing the Pedestrian Experience focuses on connecting visitors and residents to each pocket of our 133 historic landmark district. Through collaboration and time, this committee tell the story of Main Street while helping you find your way around. The 2026 committee chair is Ed Ray.
2026 Workplans Include:
-
Fall Window Display Contest
-
This Place Matters! History Banner
-
Downtown Wayfinding Signage (Stay tuned!)
Small Business Support
Small Business Support focuses on the livelihood and vibrancy of our entrepreneur ecosystem in downtown Madison. This committee will improve and develop tools to help our small businesses succeed. The 2025 committee chair is Chris Cody.
2026 Workplans Include:
-
Website Update
-
Driving Small Business Revenue Program
-
Downtown Madison Business Signage Grant
-
Business Recruitment Plan
