Join us for three days of learning, connecting, and celebrating at Main Street Now 2025 in Philadelphia, from April 7 – 9.
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Marion, Iowa © Tasha Sams
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.
Emporia, Kansas © Emporia Main Street
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.
Chicago, Illinois © Main Street America
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!
Waterloo, Iowa © Main Street Waterloo
Your one-stop-shop for all the latest stories, news, events, and opportunities – including grants and funding programs – across Main Street.
Kendall Whittier — Tulsa, Oklahoma © Kendall Whittier Main Street
Join us in our work to advance shared prosperity, create strong economies, and improve quality of life in downtowns and neighborhood commercial districts.
2024 Community Transformation Workshop participants in Nevada, Iowa. © KandE Productions
The Main Street America Institute (MSAI) is the preeminent provider of professional development and network-building opportunities for downtown and commercial district leaders.
The professional field of downtown and commercial district management requires a very distinct set of skills and expertise. Today’s professionals must be subject matter experts, with skills and knowledge directly relevant to the multitude of challenges confronting 21st century commercial districts. They must also be outstanding leaders, with the ability to engage their community, build consensus among diverse stakeholders, and manage complex revitalization projects.
From virtual courses to in-person workshops, MSAI supports professionals in realizing these roles through a comprehensive set of learning opportunities that provide the tools and strategies needed to lead results-oriented revitalization efforts.
In partnership with Grant Ready Kentucky, this four-part virtual Intro to Grant Writing webinar series covers every stage of the grant-seeking process — from assessing your grant readiness and building strong partnerships to crafting compelling proposals and creating actionable project plans.
Registration for the full series or individual sessions is available.
Main Street America members receive a discount!
Explore the sessions below or click here to jump ahead to registration.
Discover how to demonstrate measurable impact and turn your project's vision into reality. Part four of our four-part Intro to Grant Writing webinar series, presented in partnership with Grant Ready Kentucky.
© iJeab
Explore the sections below to learn more about how you can take your skills to the next level with MSAI.
Main Street America Institute programming is open to all who are interested in gaining a deeper understanding of preservation-based community transformation and leadership development.
The continuing evolution of the profession, driven by ever-changing micro and macroeconomic forces, requires a professional development program that is adaptive and flexible. MSAI offers two distinct certificate programs — Community Transformation and Leadership Development — culminating in the Main Street America Revitalization Professional (MSARP) credential.*
Main Street America Revitalization Professionals: Main Street America Institute participants may receive credit for participating in upcoming workshops and on-demand courses.*
American Institute of Certified Planners: AICP members can earn Certification Maintenance (CM) credits for many MSAI activities. More information about AICP’s CM program can be found here.
There are no pre-requisites and no required order of coursework. For professionals seeking to achieve the MSARP credential*, we offer the following two-year path as a suggestion in working towards this goal:
Year One: Advanced Principles Courses
Year Two: Topics Courses, Community Transformation Workshop, and Final Exam
MSAI offers a convenient and affordable framework for participants, with significant cost savings for Main Street America members. Learn more about membership here. Some Main Street programs may also be eligible for a discount through their Coordinating Program.
Pricing for Individual Courses and Workshops
Total Cost for Certificates and MSARP
Participants may register and pay for each course individually. For more information on payment plans and options, please contact msai@mainstreet.org.
MSAI is currently undergoing an intensive program assessment to ensure our curriculum meets the needs of our network and provides content that is reflective of everyone we serve. Therefore, our required coursework and credential offerings are evolving. Read the latest update here and please take note of important information provided in workshop and course descriptions.
Whether you are participating in a single course or planning to complete the MSARP credential, we’re here to assist you. Email us at msai@mainstreet.org with questions.
Associate Research Analyst Aoife Harte shares her experience attending the 2024 Community Transformation Workshop.
Last year, we announced upcoming changes to the Main Street America Institute. We are excited to provide an update on those changes and a sneak peek at what you can expect in the future.
Starting in early 2024, we will engage in an intensive program assessment of MSAI. We look forward to bringing an enhanced Main Street professional development experience to the network later in the year.
Main Streeters gathered for the Community Transformation Workshop to explore strategies to advance their work.
