Main Street America 2025 – 26 Policy Agenda
Our new Policy Agenda outlining policy issues and recommendations at the local, state, and federal levels that impact Main Street communities.
Whether making a specific policy ask or maintaining sustained support, community revitalization professionals and historic preservationists need to develop and hone advocacy skills. Communicating with elected officials is an important way to advocate for your community’s needs and secure a seat at the table to shape policy. This webinar lays out the basics of communicating with elected officials to maximize the impact of your advocacy efforts.
Related 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
State of Main: Winter 2018
With articles written by industry experts on topics ranging from the future of retail to Main Street advocacy, the publication is brimming with tools, tips, and strategies that will help you lead a results-oriented revitalization effort.
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.
Crafting Your Message for an Elected Official
Simple advice for outreach and communications with elected officials and government representatives.
Planning Main Street Tours for Elected Officials
Simple advice for Main Street organizations planning visits 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.
Lobbying and Political Action
Watch this webinar to learn how non-profits can use government lobbying and political action to achieve advocacy goals.
Working with an Advocacy Coalition
Watch this webinar to learn how non-profits can work with other organizations, activists, and research groups to achieve advocacy goals.
Advocacy in Motion
Director of Policy Outreach, Government Relations and Policy, at the National Trust for Historic Preservation explains how Main Street advocacy has made a difference and how to get involved.
Applying for Federal Funding
Watch this webinar to learn tips and best practices for applying for federal funding to support historic preservation and downtown revitalization.
Working with Local Governments
Building a true partnership with local government is the key to winning its financial support for Main Street revitalization.
New Media, New Advocacy
When state funding for the Washington State Main Street Program was cut in December of 2009, local programs across the state took on the job of getting the funds restored. Find out how social media helped ramp up the local programs’ advocacy efforts and contributed to a winning strategy.
Bainbridge, WA
Downtown Florence, South Carolina © True Light Photography
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