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.
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. Meet the MSARP credential recipients >
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.
The future of Main Street learning is almost here, and it starts with a bold new chapter. Coming in July 2025, the Main Street America Academy will provide practical, engaging, and flexible educational experiences designed for local leaders and practitioners.
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.
