Advocacy Toolkit
Check out our resources to help you communicate with government leaders, advance your policy goals, and expand the impact of your community development efforts.
Washington, D.C. © Main Street America
Advocating for the Movement
Main Street America’s Government Relations team works across the network, with partner organizations, and with public officials to advance the mission and vision of Main Street. Our goal is to increase the visibility of Main Street as a public concern with specific focus to federal programs supporting Main Street priorities and the sustainability of Main Street Coordinating Programs.
Key Advocacy Resources
Federal Funding Sources for Main Streets
This resource from Main Street America offers a list of over 25 grant programs that can be used on Main Streets, with key information like eligible entities and matching requirements.
Danville, Virginia © River District Association
Advocacy Community of Practice (CoP)
Main Street America adopted a new approach to hold space for partners of the Main Street network to connect, learn from each other, and explore collaborative opportunities around advocacy for the Main Street approach.
Through participation in the CoP, members of the network can connect with dozens of Main Street leaders across the country and gain access to best practices and resources on supporting and advocating for the Main Street movement.
If Main Street America members are interested in getting involved, reach out to Michael Jarosz, Coordinator of Government Relations, at mmjarosz@mainstreet.org
Federal Advocacy
Regulations and Letters
MSA Government Relations authors and signs on to regulatory comments, letters to Congress, and media to support federal positions and policies that positively impact the Main Street network.
Community Development Block Grant
Net Zero Building Definition
American Climate Corp
Advisory Council for Historic Preservation Affordable Housing Policy
Community Facilities Grant and Loan
Main Street on the Hill
Annually, Main Street advocates gather in Washington, D.C., to meet with Members of Congress and federal agencies to educate on the impact of federal policy on Main Street districts.
Main Spotlight: Main Street America Celebrates Second Annual Hill Day
Michael Jarosz, Coordinator of Government Relations, provides details on this productive day on the Hill and offers insights into the impacts that are already emerging from their advocacy efforts.
Percent for Place Coalition
Main Street America is a member of Percent for Place, a coalition of local, state, and national nonprofit organizations that advocates for greater federal funding for civic infrastructure. Our goal is for a small, ongoing percentage of federal spending to be dedicated to civic infrastructure to provide a reliable stream of funding for high-quality, shared assets in communities across the country.
Connect With Us!
We want to hear from you!
Share Your Story
Email advocacy@mainstreet.org with any questions, needs, or examples of your work.
Contact Your Elected Officials
Visit this page to identify your elected officials and check out the Policy and Advocacy Resource Hub for guidance on outreach to your elected officials.
Looking for expert insight?
Reach out to our team at advocacy@mainstreet.org for expert insight on the Main Street approach and the role of public policy in supporting civic pride, economic development, and community preservation on Main Streets.
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Washington, D.C. © Florida Main Street
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Washington, D.C. © Main Street America
Browse Additional Resources
Introduction to Land Use, Finance, and Governance Issues Impacting Main Street Programs
Learn how land use, finance, and governance structures influence the ways in which Main Street programs operate
Navigating Relationships during Election Season for Main Street Success
This webinar shared tips and tools for positioning your program during election season to manage relationships and navigate change.
Guide to Congressional Funding for Local Projects
Utilize this one-page resource with case studies from the Percent for Place coalition to plan your approach to advocating for these federal funds.
Washington, D.C. © Samuel Girven
Community Development Block Grant Case Studies
Learn about the many ways in which CDBG dollars are used throughout Main Street communities, from building façade improvements, to green infrastructure, to public facility improvements, and much more.
Federal Funding Sources for Main Streets
This resource from Main Street America offers a list of over 25 grant programs that can be used on Main Streets, with key information like eligible entities and matching requirements.
Danville, Virginia © River District Association
A Layperson’s Guide to Historic Preservation Law
This guide from the National Trust for Historic Preservation provides an overview of the laws you need to understand to support the historic buildings in your downtown district.
Toccoa, GA © Steph Maley
Advocacy Toolkit
Check out our resources to help you communicate with government leaders, advance your policy goals, and expand the impact of your community development efforts.
Building and Maintaining Relationships with Elected Officials
Simple advice for building and maintaining relationships with elected officials and government representatives to improve advocacy and outreach.
Planning Main Street Tours for Elected Officials
Simple advice for Main Street organizations planning visits with elected officials and government representatives.
Crafting Your Message for an Elected Official
Simple advice for outreach and communications with elected officials and government representatives.
Growing a Grassroots Network
Learn how to engage community members and local leaders to build a grassroots movement that advances local change.
Media Communications for Advocacy Campaigns
How non-profits can use media, public relations, and communications outreach to achieve policy goals.
