The Main Street New Jersey tier system affords communities with differing levels of organizational structure the opportunity to engage in downtown revitalization opportunities with MSNJ.

Traditional Designation
Traditional communities are communities which have demonstrated organizational capacity to implement a fully functional Main Street program and the funding capacity for a full time staff person dedicated to the revitalization organization within 3 months of designation.

Partner Designation
Partner communities are those working towards being recognized as a nationally Accredited Fully Designated Main Street Community by the National Main Street Center, National Trust for Historic Preservation. Partner communities must complete the entire designation application, including a council resolution from their municipal government demonstrating support as well as a financial commitment to the program for a minimum of four years. Partner communities must have at least a part-time staff person dedicated to the revitalization organization within 3 months of designation.

Services for Partner designated communities focus on strengthening the organizational structure program operations in preparation for hiring a full time director and becoming eligible to receive all MSNJ services and resources as a Traditionally designated community.

Affiliate Community
Communities that are exploring the possibility of future Main StreetTM designation are encouranged to make application to participate at the Affiliate Tier.

Affiliate level services help communities build an appropriate organizational and funding base for a comprehensive downtown commercial district revitalization program.

Aspiring Community
The Aspiring option provides a range of services and assistance to meet a variety of community commitment and readiness levels. It is for communities that are just starting out a downtown revitalization effort, or that may wish to eventually utilize the Main Street ApproachTM.

A core feature of the service to Aspiring is access to training by state and national downtown development experts. Aspiring will have the opportunity to learn about the best practices in the field and to network with peers from around the state.