Three Main Street America Staff members standing in front of a mural in Marion, Iowa.

Marion, Iowa © Tasha Sams

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We work in collaboration with thousands of local partners and grassroots leaders across the nation who share our commitment to advancing shared prosperity, creating resilient economies, and improving quality of life.

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Two community members in Emporia Kansas pose with a sign saying "I'm a Main Streeter"

Emporia, Kansas © Emporia Main Street

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Made up of small towns, mid-sized communities, and urban commercial districts, the thousands of organizations, individuals, volunteers, and local leaders that make up Main Street America™ represent the broad diversity that makes this country so unique.

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Dionne Baux and MSA partner working in Bronzeville, Chicago.

Chicago, Illinois © Main Street America

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Looking for strategies and tools to support you in your work? Delve into the Main Street Resource Center and explore a wide range of resources including our extensive Knowledge Hub, professional development opportunities, field service offerings, advocacy support, and more!

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People riding e-scooters in Waterloo, Iowa

Waterloo, Iowa © Main Street Waterloo

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Your one-stop-shop for all the latest stories, news, events, and opportunities – including grants and funding programs – across Main Street.

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Woman and girl at a festival booth in Kendall Whittier, Tulsa, Oklahoma.

Kendall Whittier — Tulsa, Oklahoma © Kendall Whittier Main Street

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Join us in our work to advance shared prosperity, create strong economies, and improve quality of life in downtowns and neighborhood commercial districts.

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Three Main Street America Staff members standing in front of a mural in Marion, Iowa.

Marion, Iowa © Tasha Sams

About

We work in collaboration with thousands of local partners and grassroots leaders across the nation who share our commitment to advancing shared prosperity, creating resilient economies, and improving quality of life.

Overview Who We Are How We Work Partner Collaborations Our Supporters Our Team Job Opportunities Contact Us
Two community members in Emporia Kansas pose with a sign saying "I'm a Main Streeter"

Emporia, Kansas © Emporia Main Street

Our Network

Made up of small towns, mid-sized communities, and urban commercial districts, the thousands of organizations, individuals, volunteers, and local leaders that make up Main Street America™ represent the broad diversity that makes this country so unique.

Overview Coordinating Programs Main Street Communities Collective Impact Awards & Recognition Community Evaluation Framework Join the Movement
Dionne Baux and MSA partner working in Bronzeville, Chicago.

Chicago, Illinois © Main Street America

Resources

Looking for strategies and tools to support you in your work? Delve into the Main Street Resource Center and explore a wide range of resources including our extensive Knowledge Hub, professional development opportunities, field service offerings, advocacy support, and more!

Overview Knowledge Hub Field Services Government Relations Main Street Now Conference Main Street America Institute Small Business Support Allied Member Services The Point Members Area
People riding e-scooters in Waterloo, Iowa

Waterloo, Iowa © Main Street Waterloo

The Latest

Your one-stop-shop for all the latest stories, news, events, and opportunities – including grants and funding programs – across Main Street.

Overview News & Stories Events & Opportunities Subscribe
Woman and girl at a festival booth in Kendall Whittier, Tulsa, Oklahoma.

Kendall Whittier — Tulsa, Oklahoma © Kendall Whittier Main Street

Get Involved

Join us in our work to advance shared prosperity, create strong economies, and improve quality of life in downtowns and neighborhood commercial districts.

Overview Join Us Renew Your Membership Donate Partner With Us Job Opportunities

As the Director of Network Capacity Building, Strengthen, Jackie Swihart is dedicated to a creating strong and sustainable Main Street Movement. With a focus on strengthening Coordinating Programs across the network, she collaborates with leadership to develop assessment tools and annual strategies. Previously, Jackie served as a Program Officer at Main Street America, providing technical assistance to local revitalization organizations. 

Jackie is a former educator and public servant with a passion for people, place, and history. Prior to joining Main Street America, Jackie served as a Deputy Director for the State of Indiana Archives and Records Administration. As part of the executive team, Jackie provided leadership to three agency divisions: the State’s Imaging and Microfilm Lab, Records Center, and Forms Management. During her tenure, Jackie effectively strengthened teams, staff, and strategy through an individualistic yet collaborative approach.

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Previously, Jackie worked for the Indiana Office of Community and Rural Affairs as the Indiana Main Street Coordinator and Historic Renovation Grant Program Manager. As a Coordinator, she successfully organized and led the implementation of rebuilding Indiana’s coordinating program. This process included the development of new program levels and bolstering alignment between local programs, Indiana Main Street, and Main Street America. Jackie also revamped the Historic Renovation Grant Program to be a competitive award that emphasizes partnership, downtown development, and community engagement.

Jackie has a bachelor’s degree in Secondary Education Social Studies from Indiana University South Bend and started her career in Education as a high school teacher. She holds a master’s degree in Public History from Indiana University Purdue University Indianapolis (IUPUI) and was selected as one of IUPUI’s Elite 50 graduate and professional students. Her academic research focuses on women’s history and has received recognition through the Robert Barrows History Graduate Student Paper Scholarship and the Anne Donchin Women’s Studies Graduate Research Contest. Staying true to her education roots, Jackie has regularly taught at the University of Indianapolis as an Adjunct Professor and considers herself to be a lifelong learner.

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