The memo proposes that the Main Street Program could help revitalize downtown La Porte. Over the past 60 years, suburbanization and large shopping malls drew business away from downtown areas. The Main Street Program offers benefits like giving a voice to local issues, access to a large network of professionals, restoring a sense of place, preserving historic buildings, strengthening local businesses, and controlling undesirable development. The memo outlines important initial steps to take if the city pursues the Main Street Program, such as forming a working group, analyzing the district, obtaining designation, and developing a budget and work plan.