Introduction to Land Use, Finance, and Governance Issues Impacting Main Street Programs
Learn how land use, finance, and governance structures influence the ways in which Main Street programs operate
Washington, D.C. © Main Street America
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Explore Toolkit
Advocacy Toolkit
Use this Advocacy Toolkit to enhance your efforts to communicate the power of the Main Street movement with decision-makers, from elected officials to local partners and individual supporters.
Washington, D.C. © Main Street America
Browse Resources
Navigating Relationships during Election Season for Main Street Success
This webinar shared tips and tools for positioning your program during election season to manage relationships and navigate change.
Guide to Congressional Funding for Local Projects
Utilize this one-page resource with case studies from the Percent for Place coalition to plan your approach to advocating for these federal funds.
Washington, D.C. © Samuel Girven
Community Development Block Grant Case Studies
Learn about the many ways in which CDBG dollars are used throughout Main Street communities, from building façade improvements, to green infrastructure, to public facility improvements, and much more.
Federal Funding Sources for Main Streets
This resource from Main Street America offers a list of over 25 grant programs that can be used on Main Streets, with key information like eligible entities and matching requirements.
Danville, Virginia © River District Association
A Layperson’s Guide to Historic Preservation Law
This guide from the National Trust for Historic Preservation provides an overview of the laws you need to understand to support the historic buildings in your downtown district.
Toccoa, GA © Steph Maley
Advocacy Toolkit
Check out our resources to help you communicate with government leaders, advance your policy goals, and expand the impact of your community development efforts.
Building and Maintaining Relationships with Elected Officials
Simple advice for building and maintaining relationships with elected officials and government representatives to improve advocacy and outreach.
Planning Main Street Tours for Elected Officials
Simple advice for Main Street organizations planning visits with elected officials and government representatives.
Crafting Your Message for an Elected Official
Simple advice for outreach and communications with elected officials and government representatives.
Growing a Grassroots Network
Learn how to engage community members and local leaders to build a grassroots movement that advances local change.
Media Communications for Advocacy Campaigns
How non-profits can use media, public relations, and communications outreach to achieve policy goals.
Featured Resource
Explore Resource
Understanding Preservation
This guide from the National Trust for Historic Preservation provides an overview of the laws you need to understand to support the historic buildings in your downtown district.
Toccoa, GA © Steph Maley
Latest News & Stories
Just Released: Main Street America 2025 – 26 Policy Agenda
The Government Relations team is excited to release our new Policy Agenda outlining policy issues and recommendations at the local, state, and federal levels that impact Main Street communities.
Main Spotlight: Advocating for Housing and Capacity to Build Stronger Communities on the Third Annual Hill Day
Over 50 Main Street advocates gathered in Washington, D.C., to meet with legislators and government leaders and share information about the Main Street movement.
Advocacy Spotlight: Exploring New Legislation and Looking Ahead to Congress in 2025
The Government Relations team shares some key policy updates from 2024 and advocacy priorities for 2025.
Advocacy Spotlight: Proposed Pilot Program Would Spur and Sustain Development of our Nation’s Business Districts
Main Street America supports new proposed legislation to strengthen organizations that support small businesses and commercial districts.
Main Spotlight: Managing Main Streets During and After the Election
Learn how your Main Street can support voters, manage relationships, and impact policy during and after the election.
Advocacy Spotlight: Improving Connectivity in Main Streets through Infrastructure Investments
Learn how Main Streets can tap into federal resources to improve transportation infrastructure, take down barriers, and improve access to key services.
Apply for the USDOT RAISE Grant to Improve Your District’s Transportation Infrastructure
The RAISE program funds surface transportation projects with local and regional impact by enhancing safety, mobility, sustainability, and economic growth.
Streetscape improvements can make a big difference for Main Streets. © Grant Harper
Apply for the Reconnecting Communities Pilot Program Grant
Apply for federal funding to remove, retrofit, or mitigate transportation infrastructure that creates barriers to community connectivity.
Advocacy Spotlight: Transportation is a Key Component of Downtown Revitalization
Streets play an important role in our downtown districts. Learn more about Main Street America's recent work with the Department of Transportation to promote vibrant and sustainable downtown roadways.
Main Street and Preservation Policy: Understanding the Advisory Council on Historic Preservations Report on Federal Historic Preservation Standards
Understanding the Advisory Council on Historic Preservations report on federal historic preservation standards.
Toccoa, GA © Steph Maley
Main Spotlight: Main Street America Celebrates Second Annual Hill Day
Michael Jarosz, Coordinator of Government Relations, provides details on this productive day on the Hill and offers insights into the impacts that are already emerging from their advocacy efforts.
Historic Preservation Advocacy to Help Overcome the Housing Crisis: HUD Pro Housing Program and Other Opportunities
Learn how the HUD Pro Housing Program and other opportunities can help you increase affordable housing in your community.
