Main Street Awards and Recognition | Main Street America
A large group of people clap and wave from stage.

Madison Main Street Program accepts their 2024 Great American Main Street Award. © Alicia Gallo

Leading by Example

Main Street America’s signature awards programs recognize and celebrate Main Street programs and leaders.

Click on the cards below to learn more about our awards programs and meet previous winners.




Recent Recipients

2024 Great American Main Street Award

Macon, Madison, and Monroeville serve as exemplary models for reenergizing downtown districts through collective action. Though each organization is unique in their approach, they all demonstrate excellence in fostering vibrant downtowns through grassroots economic development, preservation with a purpose, and creative problem solving.”

- Erin Barnes, Main Street America President & CEO

NewTown Macon, in Macon, Georgia, is recognized for leading a community-driven effort that nurtures local talent, fosters sustainable development, and promotes inclusivity.

Learn More
A saxophonist, drummer, and vocalist set-up on a wide sidewalk perform for pedestrians.

Macon, Georgia © Mike Young Photography

In Madison, Indiana, Madison Main Street Program fosters a welcoming culture, celebrates historic preservation, and champions community collaboration.

Learn More
Three women hold cups of coffee while sitting on a hay bale.

Madison, Indiana © Austin Sims

Monroeville Main Street, in Monroeville, Alabama, is celebrated for facilitating an incredible renaissance rooted in economic vitality, thoughtful design, and the literary arts.

Learn More
Aerial view of the Monroeville Courthouse Square.

Monroeville, Alabama © Pierce Drones



2024 Mary Means Leadership Award

The incredible breadth and depth of The Allapattah Collaborative’s impact is a testament to Mileyka Burgos-Flores’ leadership. Mileyka’s unshakable vision, persevering spirit, and passionate dedication to centering longtime residents, cultivating relationships, and pursuing collective ownership models in order to safeguard the cultural fabric of Little Santo Domingo is making meaningful strides in the community.”

- Erin Barnes, Main Street America President and CEO

Recognizing Mileyka Burgos-Flores for her unshakable vision and tenacious dedication to pursuing equity, championing community preservation, and fostering collaborative action in Miami’s historic Little Santo Domino neighborhood.

Meet Mileyka
Mileyka Burgos-Flores

Mileyka Burgos-Flores © Hey Fabian Photos



2020 Main Street Forward Awards

The recipients of the Main Street Forward Awards have demonstrated inspiring creativity and entrepreneurial thinking in the face of existential challenges to their downtowns. While their projects are wide-ranging, these Main Street programs have all stepped in to rebuild more sustainable, resilient, and equitable communities. I know that their work will serve as an example to communities across the country of the perseverance of the Main Street Movement.”

- Patrice Frey, Main Street America President and CEO (20132022)

Recognizing six downtown commercial districts that demonstrated exemplary recovery and resilience efforts amid the multiple crises of 2020

Meet the Recipients
A shop clerk wraps a small succulent plant for a customer.

Royal Oak, Michigan © Royal Oak DDA