Stuart Main Street is a private, non-profit 501(c)3 organization incorporated under the laws of the State of Florida and recognized by the Florida Main Street program as serving the historic core of the City of Stuart’s Downtown business area. The Main Street Board consists of a minimum of nine and a maximum of 15 members serving three year staggered terms.  The Board may also elect non-voting ex-officio or advisory members to be seated by a majority vote to maintain a liaison with governmental agencies and public awareness groups. 

Main Street is not created by any Act of the City or any other public agency.  However, Main Street does perform as a liaison on behalf of the City and the City’s Community Redevelopment Agency between businesses, property owners, and residents within the downtown district.  Additionally, Main Street works to educate all involved parties on issues related to promoting and preserving the downtown district and maintaining its viability and historic nature. 

The intention of the grant is to work with the organization as it transitions from having offices and a director housed within City offices to an independent entity that has mutual interests as the City without a formal relationship.  The City Manager and Community Services Director have negotiated an agreement with Stuart Main Street in which the City will pay the sum of $70,000 dollars this year and a reduced amount for the next two calendar years. This is already a significant savings to the City compared to the legacy costs associated with maintaining an employee.