South Main Alliance records

Founded in March 1976 by business, institutional and civic leaders, the South Main Center Association is a private, non-profit community and economic development organization which represents the residential, commercial and institutional interests of the approximately 12.5 square mile South Main area located within the inner loop. The work of SMCA is directed both at preserving the cultural and unique aspects of the area while simultaneously encouraging growth and redevelopment. The Center brings together business, institutional and neighborhood interests to define area needs and concerns, identify opportunities, establish programs and specify projects which need to be completed. Programs include economic development; planning; neighborhood assistance; support of arts and cultural activities; improvement of area parks, streetscapes and community amenities. Awareness of the area is promoted through the publication of informational documents, networking with civic organizations and partnerships between public and private sectors, interactions with all levels of government, and participation in various advisory committee activities. The organization presents awards such as the City Builder Award, sponsors events such as Museum District Day, facilitates the collaborative funding for projects such as the flood warning system in the Texas Medical Center area and participates in projects such as The Main Street Corridor Planning and Research Project and Trees for Main Street. In 2005, the South Main Center Association (SMCA) was renamed the South Main Alliance.