Community Evaluation Standards | Main Street America

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Join us in our work to advance shared prosperity, create strong economies, and improve quality of life in downtowns and neighborhood commercial districts.

Parklet-style outdoor restaurant seating area. — Jeffersonville, Indiana © Joi Cuartero Austin

Moving Main Street Programs Forward

The six Community Evaluation Standards aim to elevate local revitalization efforts and provide the Main Street America Network with a strong foundational framework to review progress, recognize strengths and accomplishments, understand trends and challenges involved with local revitalization, and implement strategies that keep moving Main Street programs forward.

People gather in small groups on a shady grass lawn in front of a concert stage.

Overview of the New Standards

The Standards

Click the cards below to more about each Standard.

Dancers performing at the Dia de los Muertos celebration. — Denison, Texas © Discover Denison

Standard 1

Broad-based Community Commitment to Revitalization

A band performs for a large crowd at an outdoor concert. — Toccoa, Georgia © Steph Maley, Steph’s Photography

Standard 2

Inclusive Leadership and Organizational Capacity

Brightly colored historic buildings line a narrow street. — Sykesville, Maryland © Downtown Sykesville Connection

Standard 3

Diversified Funding and Sustainable Program Operations

Historic bank building with a colorful art installation on the façade. — Upham’s Corner — Boston, Massachusetts © Keiko Hiromi

Standard 4

Strategy-Driven Programming

Two historic brick buildings flank the entrance to an outdoor plaza with a square, metal and stained glass gateway. — Florence, South Carolina © True Light Photography

Standard 5

Preservation-Based Economic Development

People gather in a plaza to socialize. — Ruston, Louisiana © @mcintyre-La Tech

Standard 6

Demonstrated Impact and Results

How to Leverage the New Standards

After reviewing each Standard, watch this video to learn how to leverage them and take your program to the next level.

People on bikes gather in front of a mural.

Leveraging the New Standards