Program Sustainability

A permanent legacy business program will need an organizational structure that offers governance, rules, and frameworks (such as a standardized eligibility process), along with a financial infrastructure. While a small group of champions usually runs pilot programs, establishing an organizational structure will require expanding that group, spreading out the work, and defining roles for management, administration, outreach, and evaluation. It will also set the program's goals, scope, timelines, and partnerships. Creating this clear organizational structure for your legacy business program will help it endure through changes in leadership, budget fluctuations, or shifts in municipal or community priorities.

​

While creating permanence for a legacy business program is crucial, it is equally essential that it can evolve over time. Our goal should not be to preserve legacy businesses or communities frozen to a moment in time. Neighborhoods and businesses change, cultures ebb and flow, tastes and priorities change, so legacy business programs must be able to adapt. They should include regular evaluations, community feedback loops, and methods for adjusting program policies and standards. As neighborhoods, commercial corridors, and cultures evolve, other businesses become significant and qualify for eligibility, so the program must evolve as well. This will ensure that the legacy business program remains relevant and reflects the community's intangible or “living” cultural heritage.