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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
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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.
The Mary Means Leadership Award recognizes exceptional local leaders for their extraordinary vision, determination, and commitment to community-led transformation.
Wytheville, Virginia © Downtown Wytheville Inc.
Award recipients are celebrated for their exemplary leadership and their crucial role in shaping the Main Street Movement. Introduced in 2019 and announced annually at the Main Street Now Conference, the Mary Means Leadership Award also recognizes the outstanding and steadfast leadership of Main Street America’s founder, Mary Means.
Eligibility: Current employees, board members, and volunteers of a Local or Coordinating Program with an active membership are eligible to be considered for the Mary Means Leadership Award.
Nominations: Our call for 2025 Mary Means Leadership Award nominations is open! Individuals may nominate themselves or others for the award by submitting a completed application, including providing letters of support describing how the nominee demonstrates exceptional leadership qualities. Nominations will be accepted through the online portal from October 21, 2024-December 6, 2024, at 11:59 p.m. CDT. Download a preview of the application here >
Evaluation & Selection: Evaluation criteria include a nominee’s track record in building local capacity, leading through strategy, centering equity in their work, exhibiting innovation and ingenuity, convening diverse stakeholders through a shared vision, demonstrating a commitment to continuous learning, and advancing community preservation. Recipients are selected from a nationwide pool of nominations by a jury of past recipients, Main Street America staff, and external partners.
Accolades & Ceremony: The 2025 Mary Means Leadership Award recipient will receive a $1,000 professional development stipend for the Main Street America Institute, a $500 professional development travel stipend, media relations support, a special feature on the Main Street America website, and recognition at the 2025 Main Street Now Conference in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.
Questions: Email samraen@mainstreet.org.
Main Street America is proud to recognize Mileyka Burgos-Flores, Chief Executive Officer at The Allapattah Collaborative CDC (ACDC) as the 2024 Mary Means Leadership Award recipient.
Mileyka Burgos-Flores © Hey Fabian Photos
Mileyka Burgos-Flores is recognized as the 2024 Mary Means Leadership Award recipient for her unshakable vision and persevering spirit in pursuing equity, championing community preservation, and fostering collaborative action in Miami’s historic Little Santo Domino neighborhood.
John was recognized as the 2023 Mary Means Leadership Award recipient for his ability to develop innovative ideas, build organizational capacity of local programs and leaders, and lead through understanding as program coordinator.
Todd was recognized as a 2023 Mary Means Leadership Award recipient for his creative energy, strategic mindset, and coalition-building approach as a Main Street director.
Patrice was recognized as a 2022 Mary Means Leadership Award recipient for her dedicated service to the Main Street Movement, exemplary collaborative leadership, and entrepreneurial mindset.
Breanne was recognized as the 2021 Mary Means Leadership Award recipient for her collaborative and visionary approach, which empowers Washington State Main Street leaders to strengthen local economies, preserve historic assets, and work together to revitalize their communities.
Sharon was recognized as the 2020 Mary Means Leadership Award recipient for her innovative approach to downtown revitalization, which transformed Morganton into a thriving entertainment district, with a lively arts scene and strong local economy.
