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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.
Looking for great ideas and solutions? Delve into the Knowledge Hub and explore our comprehensive digital library containing a broad range of resources, including our signature Main Street Approach handbooks and guides, revitalization toolkits, and the best-in-class materials from across the network.
The Main Street Approach™ offers a practical, adaptable framework for reenergizing and strengthening downtown and neighborhood commercial districts that is easily tailored to local conditions. Find guidance on how to utilize the Main Street Approach and tailor to your local needs.
The Main Street movement was founded to preserve and enhance the physical, social, and cultural core of our communities. This includes rehabilitating older and historic buildings and also protecting and celebrating intangible heritage. Discover tools and resources that will help you lead community preservation efforts.
Main Street programs have a crucial role to play when it comes to thoughtful development of housing and commercial district property. This section provides research, tools, and guidance on how to manage the physical imprint in your district.
Creating safe and welcoming spaces for people is essential to creating vibrant Main Streets. From transportation guidance to placemaking best practices to disaster preparedness planning, find the resources you need to create a physical environment that places people first.
Fostering entrepreneurship and supporting small businesses is a key economic development strategy for Main Streets. Find tools and resources here to help you ensure your small business support strategies leverage the distinct sense of place that makes your commercial district unique.
At the core of our approach to community development is a commitment to creating places of shared prosperity, equal access to opportunity, and inclusive engagement. Find educational resources and build your knowledge to help guide your work in this area.
The success of a Main Street district depends largely upon the ability to effectively lead and serve a variety of stakeholders. Learn the process of running a board, recruiting and retaining volunteers and staff, developing and implementing work plans, and more.
Fundraising and gaining public and private support for a Main Street program can be an intimidating endeavor but it doesn’t have to be! Everyone can learn to be an effective fundraiser with the proper tools and training. Get started here.
Clear communication and engaging messaging that resonates with a wide range of stakeholders is essential to building support and activating your district. Find tools and tips on how to work with the media, utilize digital and print channels effectively, plan and execute events, and more.
Find advocacy tools 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.