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Maybe the third time really is a charm.

In the space of 15 minutes this morning, I came across the phrase “Main Street” in three different places. I found the first one on the Molalla Pioneer‘s Web site while I was researching a on Highway 213. The second popped up in a from the Portland Development Commission. The third mention came in the form of an e-mail press release from Oregon Sen. Jeff Merkley.

Now, Merkey’s e-mail talked as much about Wall Street as Main Street,  and if it hadn’t come on the heels of my first two encounters, I probably wouldn’t have paid it any mind at all. But I believe that things happen for a reason. I also don’t need to be hit over the head with a big stick, or a recurring phrase, to know when the gods of economic development and urban planning are sending me a sign.

So here’s me doing my part to help spread the word about two opportunities to help boost local businesses at a time when they need all the boosting they can get.

Both Portland and Molalla are doing their own, localized versions of the . In simple terms, the Main Street programs help small communities and neighborhoods in larger urban areas spruce up their business districts courtesy of a four-point plan that often includes rehabbing older buildings, improving street landscaping and helping new development, often through financial assistant such as matching grants or special loans.

Molalla’s already begun its planning process and recently held a to start to attract volunteers to help begin to implement that plan.

Portland plans on choosing up to four neighborhoods or districts to participate in the 2010 Portland Main Street program. The selection process will be a competitive application one. In order to be considered, at least two representatives from an interested organization or district must attend a 7 1/2-hour .

For anyone who can’t make a workshop at 1 p.m. today, there’s another chance tomorrow, Feb. 3, at 9 a.m. Both workshops will be held at the Oregon Association of Minority Entrepreneurs, 4131 N. Vancouver Ave. in Portland.

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