Mainstreets refers to community-based economic development initiatives based around specific commercial localities.

Note: within the City Centre (CBD) the committees are known as precinct committees however they operate under the same constitution and guidelines as the suburban mainstreet committees.

The purpose of Mainstreet programs is to revitalise and grow the economies of traditional strip shopping areas. These programs are inherently challenging as they are about developing and implementing improvements (ie, change) within limited budget constraints.

In Newcastle, Mainstreets covers programs funded by a special benefit rate that Council levies on commercial properties in places such as Mayfield, Hamilton, New Lambton, Wallsend and the City Centre Precincts - East, West and Darby Street.

The Mainstreets programs usually focus on the following key elements:

• Collaboration & strategic planning
• Business & economic development
• Marketing & promotion
• Physical design.

Where local committees manage funds raised by special rates, they are referred to as s355 committees of Council. Committees are made up of local business people, community members and Councillors.  They meet on a monthly basis and spend the special rate collected in their area according to their Council approved budget.