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Dionne Baux and MSA partner working in Bronzeville, Chicago.

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Woman and girl at a festival booth in Kendall Whittier, Tulsa, Oklahoma.

Kendall Whittier — Tulsa, Oklahoma © Kendall Whittier Main Street

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Three Main Street America Staff members standing in front of a mural in Marion, Iowa.

Marion, Iowa © Tasha Sams

About

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.

Overview Who We Are How We Work Partner Collaborations Our Supporters Our Team Job Opportunities Contact Us
Two community members in Emporia Kansas pose with a sign saying "I'm a Main Streeter"

Emporia, Kansas © Emporia Main Street

Our Network

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.

Overview Coordinating Programs Main Street Communities Collective Impact Awards & Recognition Community Evaluation Framework Join the Movement
Dionne Baux and MSA partner working in Bronzeville, Chicago.

Chicago, Illinois © Main Street America

Resources

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!

Overview Knowledge Hub Field Services Government Relations Main Street Now Conference Main Street America Institute Small Business Support Allied Member Services The Point Members Area
People riding e-scooters in Waterloo, Iowa

Waterloo, Iowa © Main Street Waterloo

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Your one-stop-shop for all the latest stories, news, events, and opportunities – including grants and funding programs – across Main Street.

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Woman and girl at a festival booth in Kendall Whittier, Tulsa, Oklahoma.

Kendall Whittier — Tulsa, Oklahoma © Kendall Whittier Main Street

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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.

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April 25, 2019 | Community Spotlight: Monroe, Louisiana
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Photo credit: Michael Harding


When the Downtown Riverwalk was built in the early 2000s, Downtown Monroe, Louisiana was so abandoned that you could throw a rock in any direction and not hit a single person. The construction of a boardwalk utilized one of the city’s best resources, the scenic Ouachita River, but went unappreciated and underutilized for nearly a decade.

If you fast-forward to 2012 – a group of city leaders and community members decided there was more to downtown Monroe than anyone truly knew – you’ll find an underdog story of downtown development. The Downtown Riverwalk found new life with design enhancements and the City of Monroe initiated the Downtown RiverMarket festival days. These festivals developed into a community gathering place, bringing in thousands of visitors and serving as a small business launching pad for budding entrepreneurs. The Downtown RiverMarket days proved to the community that downtown Monroe was an asset to the area with something to offer for people of all ages and walks of life.
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Photo credit: Downtown Rivermarket


The Downtown Riverwalk spurred downtown development by brightening a fading downtown and encouraging developers and business owners to congregate to the new vibrant heart of the city. Today, you’ll find the once abandoned riverside surrounded by successful restaurants, nightlife, barber shops, and more. Visit during the week and you’ll meet business people taking in the scenery and fresh air on their lunch breaks. On the weekends, you’ll find a Downtown RiverMarket event like the Louisiana Food & Music Festival or maybe a wedding in the picturesque clock tower.  Event planners have found an affordable, scenic venue at the Downtown Riverwalk. It is available to rent for festivals, weddings, parties, and more.

By focusing on one asset of downtown Monroe, the city was able to initiate the transformation of the district into “dōMo,” a premier arts and entertainment destination. In seven short years, the district has developed into just that with over 150 events per year, a bulk of those occurring on the Riverwalk. Not only does the Riverwalk draw tourists from outside the area, but so do the popular art galleries, restaurants, businesses, and events every day of the year.