Crafting Your Message for an Elected Official
Simple advice for outreach and communications with elected officials and government representatives.
As the Director of Government Relations, Kelly leads Main Street America’s (MSA) work to uplift the role of Main Street organizations to policy and decision makers. She works alongside MSA’s state, city, and country Coordinating Programs in defending and growing their programs and supports MSA’s great network of Main Street programs in pushing for federal support for Main Streets.
Prior to serving as the Director of Government Relations, Kelly was the Manager of Education & Illinois Main Street Coordinating Program. In this role, Kelly managed the Main Street America Institute (MSAI) and coordinated training, technical service, and communications for the Illinois Main Street program. Before joining MSA in 2016, Kelly worked at the School of the Art Institute of Chicago (SAIC). From northeast Ohio, Kelly holds a BA in Art History from Kenyon College, a MS in Historic Preservation from SAIC, and an MPA in Public Policy from the O’Neill School at Indiana University.
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Articles & Publications
Main Spotlight: The Revitalizing Small and Local Businesses Act
Main Street America is proud to support the Revitalizing Small and Local Businesses Act
Main Spotlight: Behind the Ribbon Cutting — The Merwyn Building
How do those amazing Main Street rehabilitation projects happen? And what policies and public support make them happen? In the Behind the Ribbon Cutting series, we look at a project or businesses from concept to opening day to break down the partnerships and funding brought to bear and recognize how we can advocate for policies and resources for revitalization across the country.
Astoria, OR © ADHDA
Main Spotlight: Funding Main Street Recovery through American Rescue Plan Act State and Local Dollars
Main Streets and small businesses are benefiting from the strategic use of ARPA State and Local Recovery Funds through the advocacy and innovation of local leaders and decision-makers.
San Marcos, TX © Andy Heatwole
Community Spotlight: Paving the Path from Pop-up to Permanent at the Batavia Boardwalk Shops
The Batavia Boardwalk Shops are freestanding, purpose-built structures acting as seasonal pop-up locations for entrepreneurs, offered in tandem with a business incubator program.
Batavia, IL © April Duda Photography