Learn data-based solutions to complex challenges at the 2025 Community Transformation Workshop in Columbia and Hartsville, South Carolina, October 13 – 15.
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2024 Community Transformation Workshop participants in Nevada, Iowa. © KandE Productions
The Main Street America Academy is the preeminent provider of professional development and network-building opportunities for downtown and commercial district leaders.
The professional field of downtown and commercial district management requires a very distinct set of skills and expertise. Today’s professionals must be subject matter experts, with skills and knowledge directly relevant to the multitude of challenges confronting 21st-century commercial districts. They must also be outstanding leaders, with the ability to engage their community, build consensus among diverse stakeholders, and manage complex revitalization projects. The Main Street America Academy provides rich learning and professional development experiences designed to meet changemakers where they are and move their work forward.
From interactive self-paced virtual courses and immersive in-person workshops, the Academy offers practical, engaging, and flexible learning experiences designed to help Main Street leaders and practitioners grow their impact, sharpen their skills, and lead with confidence.
Registration is open for two high-impact learning experiences happening soon. Featuring a powerful blend of foundational concepts and timely topics taught by our staff instructors, this year’s Community Transformation Workshop and Supporting Small Businesses on Main Street Course are the perfect professional development opportunity for community‑revitalization champions at every level.
Featuring small business owners and technical assistance providers from around the nation, join us for an in-depth look into what small businesses need now and how your Main Street organization can meet this moment. Thursdays, September 4 – 18.
Oregon City, Oregon. Photo by Adam Wickham.
October 13 – 15 in Columbia and Hartsville, South Carolina. This immersive, interactive experience equips participants with data-based solutions and proven strategies necessary to address complex revitalization initiatives. Space is limited!
2024 Community Transformation Workshop. Photo by KandE Productions
Explore the sections below to learn more about how you can take your skills to the next level with the Main Street America Academy.
Main Street America Academy programming is open to all who are interested in gaining a deeper understanding of preservation-based community transformation and leadership development.
The continuing evolution of the profession, driven by ever-changing micro and macroeconomic forces, requires a professional development program that is adaptive and flexible. The Academy offers a robust suite of virtual and in-person learning opportunities designed to equip Main Street leaders with foundational skills, proven best practices, and innovative approaches. Practitioners may apply their participation towards achieving the Main Street America Revitalization Professional (MSARP) credential. Meet the MSARP credential recipients >
Main Street America Revitalization Professionals: Main Street America Academy participants may receive credit for participating in upcoming webinars, in-person workshops, and online courses.*
American Institute of Certified Planners: AICP members can earn Certification Maintenance (CM) credits for many MSAI activities. More information about AICP’s CM program can be found here.
Main Street America Academy offers a convenient and affordable framework for participants, with significant cost savings for Main Street America members. Learn more about membership here. Some Main Street programs may also be eligible for a discount through their Coordinating Program. Please see the full description for each learning opportunity for pricing details.
Participants may register and pay for each course or workshop individually. For more information on payment plans and options, please contact academy@mainstreet.org.
The future of Main Street learning is almost here, and it starts with a bold new chapter. We’re excited to share that the Main Street America Academy (formerly Main Street America Institute) is debuting in July 2025. This change is more than just a rebrand. It’s a complete reimagining of how we support Main Street leaders and practitioners across the country. Read more about this exciting next chapter here.
Whether you are participating in a single course or planning to complete the MSARP credential, we’re here to assist you. Email us at academy@mainstreet.org with questions.
From interactive self-paced courses and immersive in-person workshops, the Academy offers practical, engaging, and flexible learning experiences designed to help you grow your impact, sharpen your skills, and lead with confidence. We invite you to join us as we embark on this bold new chapter—start exploring the Academy today!
Join us for encore presentations of attendee-favorite sessions from the 2025 Main Street Now Conference, offering fresh perspectives on the topics that matter most to Main Street leaders.
From honing foundational best practices and approaches to diving into the latest trends and techniques, the Main Street America Academy's suite of summer learning opportunities has something for everyone.
The future of Main Street learning is almost here, and it starts with a bold new chapter. Coming in July 2025, the Main Street America Academy will provide practical, engaging, and flexible educational experiences designed for local leaders and practitioners.
Associate Research Analyst Aoife Harte shares her experience attending the 2024 Community Transformation Workshop.
Last year, we announced upcoming changes to the Main Street America Institute. We are excited to provide an update on those changes and a sneak peek at what you can expect in the future.
Starting in early 2024, we will engage in an intensive program assessment of MSAI. We look forward to bringing an enhanced Main Street professional development experience to the network later in the year.
Main Streeters gathered for the Community Transformation Workshop to explore strategies to advance their work.
