Program Spotlight: Introducing Our Innovation Division and Cultivating a Future-Focused Network Mindset
Main Street America is excited to introduce the Innovation Division and share some of our key focus areas and upcoming projects.
Independence Hall, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania © Sean Pavone/iStock
The regular rate for the 2025 Main Street Now Conference expires on Monday, March 31. Here are three reasons why you should act now and register for our movement’s biggest event of the year:
Save Money: Access 100+ invaluable learning experiences and network-building activities while saving up to $210 on on-site registration rates.
Save Time: Make on-site check-in a breeze by completing your registration from the comfort and convenience of your office.
Start Planning: Get access to the mobile app where you can start building your ideal schedule, meeting sponsors and exhibitors, exploring Philly, and more.
Taking place April 7 – 9 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, this year’s conference is packed with everything local leaders need to take their downtown district stewardship efforts to the next level. You don’t want to miss it!
Registration Rates & Dates
Regular (by March 31*): $565 Member | $755 Non-Member
On-Site (April 6 – 9): $775 Member and Non-Member
One Day: $399 Online | $425 On-site
Civic Leader: $200 Online | $225 On-site
Student: $200 Online | $225 On-site
Have questions? We have answers!
Check out our FAQs library and conference policies for helpful tips and important information. For additional support, email info@mainstreet.org. Due to the high volume of requests, please allow up to 72 hours to receive a response.
Conference Co-Hosts
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Gayborhood Rainbow Crosswalk © M. Fischetti for VISIT PHILADELPHIA
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2024 Main Street Now Conference © Tosha Gaines Photography
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2024 Main Street Now Conference © Alicia Gallo
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Independence Hall © Sean Pavone/iStock
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Raton, New Mexico © Patricia Duran
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Independence Hall © Sean Pavone/iStock
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Philadelphia, Pennsylvania © f11photo/iStock
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Main Spotlight: Announcing the 2025 Great American Main Street Award Semifinalists
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Volunteers help make streetscape improvements in Nevada, Iowa. © Main Street Nevada
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Events create opportunities for the community to gather in downtown Nevada, Iowa. © Linda Wendt
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Speakers kick-off a session at Main Street Now 2024. © Alicia Gallo
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How to Measure Downtown Impact session at Main Street Now 2024 © Molly Alexander
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Macon, Georgia © Mike Young Photography
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“It’s Nice to Have You in Birmingham” mural by Creighton Tynes © Bham Now
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Main Spotlight: Insights From the 2024 Trends Survey
From budgets and staffing to programming priorities and the myriad of backgrounds that bring people to Main Street, the insights and key findings from this year's trends survey provide a snapshot of the state of the Main Street Movement.
Main Spotlight: Fostering Connection in BHAM by Creating Third Spaces in Downtown Birmingham and Woodlawn
REV Birmingham and Woodlawn United share how they work to reenergize spaces and places in Birmingham, Alabama, through civic infrastructure projects in the city’s historic commercial corridors.
Civic Leaders: Don’t Miss Main Street Now 2024
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Kelly Ingram Park © Greater Birmingham CVB
Ending March 11: Early Bird Rates for Main Street Now 2024
Register by March 11 to lock in big savings with the early bird rate!
Almost Sold Out: 2024 Leadership Development Workshop
Join us in Birmingham, Alabama, May 4-5, 2024, for one of Main Street America Institute’s highest rated and recommended workshops!
Downtown Birmingham, Alabama © Sean Pavone/iStock
Ultimate Immersive Learning Experiences: A Roundup of Main Street Now 2024 Mobile Workshops
Opportunities to experience time-tested Main Street Approach techniques and creative solutions in action abound in Birmingham with these great excursions.
Oxford, Alabama © City of Oxford, Alabama
Friendly Reminder: Take the 2024 Main Street Trends Survey
Last chance to make your voice heard with Main Street America's 2024 Main Street Trends Survey!
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Just Added: Can’t Miss Main Street Now 2024 Experiences
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Birmingham skyline from Railroad Park. © Sean Pavone/iStock
Register Now: 2024 Leadership Development Workshop in Birmingham, Alabama
Join us in Birmingham, Alabama, May 4-5, 2024, for one of Main Street America Institute’s highest rated and recommended workshops!
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Take the 2024 Main Street Trends Survey!
Contribute your perspective to our annual survey of the Main Street Movement.
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Woodlawn Market Place © Nathan Watson/Bham Now
Registration is Open for Main Street Now 2024!
Join us in Birmingham, Alabama, on May 6-9 for the 2024 Main Street Now Conference!
Last Chance to Nominate: 2024 Mary Means Leadership Award
Recognize the exceptional Main Street leader in your community with this prestigious award.
Main Spotlight: Top 7 Blogs of 2023
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Florence, SC © Phil Eich
Important Update About the Main Street America Institute
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T‑Mobile Funds 250 Communities Nationwide with $11 Million in Hometown Grants
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Call for Nominations: 2024 Mary Means Leadership Award
Recognize an exception leader in your community with this prestigious Main Street award.
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Now Accepting Nominations: 2024 Mary Means Leadership Award
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Main Spotlight: Investigating Transformation Strategies in Stevenson and Vancouver, Washington
Main Streeters gathered for the Community Transformation Workshop to explore strategies to advance their work.
Main Street Leadership Council Spotlight: Welcoming New Officers and Members, Thanking Outgoing Leaders
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Ostego, MI
Main Spotlight: Celebrating 20 Years of Michigan Main Street
Founded in 2003 and currently housed within the Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC), Michigan Main Street (MMS) recently celebrated 20 years of impact across 41 communities.
Boyne City, MI © Michigan Main Street
Last Chance: Main Street Now 2024 Call for Proposals
Don't miss your chance to submit a proposal for a session at the 2024 Main Street Now conference!
T‑Mobile Hometown Grants Spark Positive Change in 25 New Communities
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Letter from Erin Barnes, President and CEO, Main Street America
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Deadline Extended: 2024 Main Street Now Conference Call for Proposals
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Due Soon: 2024 Main Street Now Conference Session Proposals
Don't miss your chance to share your expertise with attendees in Birmingham, Alabama!
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© Jenny Boulware
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© Notice Pictures
Last Chance: Register for 2023 Community Transformation Workshop Today!
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Last Chance to Apply for the 2024 Great American Main Street Award
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Don't miss your opportunity to showcase your community's achievements!
Sheridan, WY © Downtown Sheridan Association
Join us: Summer School Webinar Series Revisiting Top Conference Topics
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Now Accepting Applications: 2024 Great American Main Street Award
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Sheridan, WY © Downtown Sheridan Association
Small Town Spark: Exhibitions Celebrating Innovation in Rural Towns Uplift the Main Street Movement
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Washington, D.C. © Rizka
Get a Sneak Peek at the 2023 Community Transformation Workshop
Learn how to tackle complex revitalization scenarios with our Community Transformation Workshop, October 2-3 in Vancouver, WA.
Vancouver, WA © Vancouver Downtown Association
Register Today: 2024 Great American Main Street Award Application Webinar
Thinking about applying for the 2024 Great American Main Street Award? Tune in to the application webinar on June 21!
Florence, SC © Downtown Florence Main Street Program
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Cleveland, OH © DJ Johnson
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Vancouver, WA © Vancouver Downtown Association
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Metuchen, NJ © Lauren Beischer
Congratulations to the 2023 MSARP Recipients!
The MSARP credential is the highest level of achievement offered through the Main Street America Institute, requiring dedication to completing a rigorous curriculum of online courses, readings, assignments, workshops, and a challenging final exam.
Connecting and Gathering in a City of Main Streets at Main Street Now 2023
Over the course of three days, nearly 1900 Main Streeters from near and far gathered for dynamic educational sessions, immersive mobile workshops, and network-building activities.
Main Spotlight: Introducing Shop Main Street
Check out our new shop featuring clothing and apparel, accessories, home and office goods, and kids’ and baby items inspired by the Main Street Movement.
Just Announced: John Bry Named 2023 Mary Means Leadership Award Recipient
Main Street America is proud to recognize John Bry, Program Coordinator at Main Street Oakland County (MSOC) in Michigan, as the 2023 Mary Means Leadership Award recipient.
Main Spotlight: Announcing the 2023 Great American Main Street Award Winners
Meet the three communities who were honored with this prestigious award!
Top 50 (or so) Things To Do in Boston, by Bostonians
There is so much to see, learn, explore, taste, and enjoy across our neighborhood districts. Welcome to Boston!
Roslindale Village: 38 Years at the Vanguard of Building Resiliency and Reimagining Spaces
Explore the resiliency and future-focused mindset of Roslindale Village Main Street, one of the first urban Main Street Programs in the nation.
Peak Immersive Learning: A Snapshot of Mobile Workshops Main Street Now 2023
Preview a selection of the 12 unique mobile workshops on offer at Main Street Now 2023 in Boston, Massachusetts.
A vendor serves beverages at the Roslindale Summer Farmers Market in 2022. © Bruce Spero Photography
Main Spotlight: Introducing the Main Street Foundations Series
We’re excited to announce a new suite of resources designed for Main Street! The Main Street Foundations Series provides an overview of each Point through four comprehensive introductory videos, one-page guides, materials from our resource center, and more.
Main Spotlight: Top 7 Blog Posts of 2022
From the ongoing pivots needed to meet changing community needs to the timeless power of place, these are the most popular blog posts we published this year.
What Mary Means to Me
Todd Wolford, executive director of Downtown Wytheville Inc and recipient of the 2022 Mary Means Leadership Award, reflects on his Main Street career.
Main Spotlight: Reflections from the 2022 Community Transformation Workshop in Wyoming
Jackie Swihart, Program Officer for MSA, shares some key takeaways from the three-day event.
Laramie, WY © Main Street America
Main Spotlight: 30 Years of Dynamic Growth Across Illinois Main Street
Illinois Main Street's work over the last 30 years and the exciting projects they are planning in the future.
Alton, IL © Alton Main Street
Main Spotlight: Farmers Markets as a Transformation Strategy for Main Streets
Learn how Main Streets from California to Florida have used Farmers Markets to transform their communities and achieve Main Street goals.
Farewell from Patrice Frey, President and CEO, Main Street America
Outgoing President and CEO Patrice Frey closes out her tenure at Main Street America and transitions into a new role.
Main Spotlight: Announcing the 2022 Main Street America Designated Communities and 2021 Reinvestment Statistics
Main Street America congratulates our 2022 designated communities and explores the impact of the Main Street Movement.
Toccoa, GA © Steph Maley
Main Spotlight: Reflections on the Evolution of Main Street
Mary Means, founder of the Main Street Movement, reflects on her experiences at Main Street Now 2022 and shares advice for local leaders.
Community Spotlight: Welcoming Parramore to Orlando Main Streets!
Meet Parramore, a historically African-American community in Orlando, Florida.
Orlando, FL © Tyla Harrington
Community Spotlight: Women Leaders Series — Week Four
Each week this Women's History Month, Main Street America is spotlighting the stories of women leaders in local and coordinating Main Street programs.
Community Spotlight: Women Leaders Series — Week Three
Each week this Women's History Month, Main Street America is spotlighting the stories of women leaders in local and coordinating Main Street programs.
Community Spotlight: Women Leaders Series — Week Two
Each week this Women's History Month, Main Street America is spotlighting the stories of women leaders in local and coordinating Main Street programs.
Community Spotlight: Women Leaders Series — Week One
Each week this Women's History Month, Main Street America is spotlighting the stories of women leaders in local and coordinating Main Street programs.
INVEST South/West Chicago Reaches Two-year Milestone
Main Street America's partners in Chicago celebrate two years of training and technical assistance in the city.
Chicago, IL © Main Street America
Main Spotlight: Better Community Planning & Economic Development Series with Ed McMahon
Leverage NC, a partnership between North Carolina Main Street and the North Carolina League of Municipalities, hosted a four-part webinar series titled Better Community Planning & Economic Development led by Ed McMahon, Chair Emeritus of Main Street America and a leading national authority on land use policy and economic development.
Community Spotlight: Main Street America’s Field Team Gets Back on the Road
After many zoom meetings, our road warriors are back visiting communities and providing technical assistance.
Washington, IA © Kathy La Plante
2020 Year in Review: A Letter to the Network
President and CEO Patrice Frey reflects on 2020 and the early events of 2021.
Florence, SC © True Light Photography
HartBeat of Main Street Grant Program: First Round Recipient Spotlights
These 67 recipients from across the country ranged from bakeries and boutiques to salons and museums, but they all shared a commitment to the program's goals of responding and adapting to the COVID-19 pandemic and helping to revitalize and strengthen older and historic downtown commercial districts.
New Research from Brookings and the National Main Street Center on the Value of Main Street Organizations
The Brookings Bass Center for Transformative Placemaking released a new series of research briefs focused on the role that place governance organizations, like Main Street programs, play in revitalizing rural downtowns and promoting equitable rural economic and community development.
Congratulations to the 2020 MSARP Recipients!
Meet the latest graduates of our certificate program for leaders in commercial district revitalization.
Main Spotlight: Developing a Toolbox to Help Manage Growth on Main Street
Georgetown has developed a strong Downtown Master Plan that helps serve as a guide-point for planning efforts in downtown
Announcing the 2020 Mary Means Leadership Award Recipient
Meet Sharon Jablonski, the Director of Morganton Main Street in Morganton, North Carolina, and the first recipient of the Mary Means Leadership Award.
Announcing the 2020 Great American Main Street Award Winners
Congratulations to these Main Street programs for their fantastic work!
Community Spotlight: Missouri Main Street Connection Leads the Iowa Community Expedition
Missouri Main Street Connection (MMSC) had the opportunity to take Missouri Executive Directors and other community representatives on the Iowa Community Expedition
District Spotlight: Pontiac, Michigan
In response, UrbanMain and Main Street Oakland County joined forces in March 2018 to assist Pontiac stakeholders in putting their downtown organization back on a positive track, making Pontiac the first community in Michigan to participate in the UrbanMain initiative.
2018 Partners in Preservation: Main Streets Winning Sites
American Express, the National Trust for Historic Preservation and Main Street America announced the winners of the 2018 Partners in Preservation: Main Streets campaign.
2018 Community Transformation Workshop Recap
An essential component of the Main Street America Institute, the three-day in-person workshop gives participants hands-on tools to enact revitalization projects in their communities.
A Statewide Movement Improving West Virginia Main Streets
Since 2013, Try This West Virginia has sought to improve health environments in local communities as a collaboration of organizations working together to combat the health challenges facing West Virginians.
Community Spotlight: Main Street Hampton
Main Street Hampton hosted a Food and Friends Farm-to-Table dinner at the Rustic Brew during Main Street Iowa Restaurant Week.
Community Spotlight: Partners in Preservation 2018
From community gathering spaces to retail incubators, from small towns to big cities – this year’s projects and communities are a testament to the diversity of Main Streets across the country.
Community Spotlight: Ames, Iowa
Downtown Ames hosted a festival for the 46th annual RAGBRAI race (The Register's Annual Great Bike Ride Across Iowa).
7 Ways To Bring Your Main Street On Screen
You don’t need to be a big-name district to make a video that goes viral; you just need to know what you’re doing.
Comcast Newsmakers: Revitalizing Downtown
Matt Wagner, National Main Street Center's Vice President of Revitalization Programs, discusses competitive advantages, incrementalism and the power of the Main Street America network
Community Spotlight: Main Street Homer, Louisiana
Main Street Homer (Homer, Louisiana) was awarded a $25,000 A Community Thrives social impact grant from Gannett/USA Today Network to create an arts center with affordable artist studios and classroom/event space.
Evolution, Acceptance, and Change: The Main Street Approach as a Catalyst for Revitalization
Nearly slated for demolition 30 years ago, downtown Cedar Falls has experienced an amazing transformation through its revitalization journey using the Main Street Approach.
Main Street Roots Run Deep in Downtown Wytheville
Since starting as Executive Director, Todd has helped the organization achieve Virginia Main Street Designation Status and national Accreditation.
Announcing the 2018 Great American Main Street Award Winners
The National Main Street Center, Inc., announced Downtown Oregon City, Rock Springs Main Street/Urban Renewal Agency, and Howell Main Street as the 2018 Great American Main Street Award (GAMSA) winners during its annual conference in Kansas City, Missouri.
Main Streets in Action
We rolled out four new Main Street America videos highlighting the power of the Main Street movement, Main Street Approach, economic impact of Main Street, and the incredible volunteers that make Main Street's grassroots network so effective.
Community Spotlight: Ridgefield Main Street
Ridgefield Main Street is an energetic, up-and-coming Washington Main Street program located just north of Vancouver, Washington.
Want to do something big? Start small.
A series of small, incremental improvements, when taken together, provide momentum for long-term economic transformation and improved quality of life in a community.
Michigan Main Street Refresh Implementation: The Refresh from Our Communities’ Perspective
Here's a bit of background on each of the communities. Read on for the Refresh Implementation Q&A.
Announcing the 2017 Great American Main Street Award Winners
The National Main Street Center, Inc. announced the 2017 Great American Main Street Award (GAMSA) during its annual conference in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.
The Reality of Main Street — Letter from the President
The National Main Street Center and the Brookings Institution have jointly authored a response to Mr. Hyman’s piece, The Reality of Main Street, that is featured on Brookings’ blog.
Michigan Main Street Refresh Implementation: Our Process and Lessons Learned So Far
Michigan Main Street Center was the first Coordinating Program to implement the new Main Street approach on a large scale. In this article, they share their robust process and valuable lessons.
The Reality of Main Street
There is another way for smaller communities to compete in today’s economy and we believe a strong main street strategy is at the heart of it.
The Myth of Main Street? Letter from the President
Letter from past MSA President, Patrice Frey
The Lowdown in Downtown LaBelle
Fritz the dog has made his way into the hearts of the residents of LaBelle, Florida, and helped our Main Street Community find a way to make what we do more noticeable.
Strategic Planning Through Transformation Strategies – Saline, Michigan
Back in October 2015, we introduced the three key components of the refreshed Main Street Approach: inputs, outputs and Community Transformation Strategies.
Revitalization and Main Street Transformation
For a lucky few downtowns, greatness may happen effortlessly with a strong sense of place that seems to develop organically and simply sustain itself. For most places, success doesn’t happen by chance.
Revisit Your Community’s Unique Assets: Connecting Asset-Based Economic Development to Community Transformation Strategies
This need for change results from the heavy emphasis on three components of the refreshed Main Street Approach.
The 2016 Great American Main Street Award Winners
The 2016 winners are a diverse group in geography and character, but together demonstrate the broad applicability of the Main Street Approach:
Main Street Nation Radio
The first official show under the Main Street Nation banner aired in June 2015 on WJR-760 AM Detroit.
The Path To The Future
The economic value of historic preservation on Main Street.
Refresh Demonstration Project Sites: Learning Labs for the Updated Main Street Approach
A series of demonstration projects providing the opportunity to test new strategies on the ground, learn from practitioners, and refine the approach.
Why Business Retention and Expansion Plans are Important for Downtowns
A business retention and expansion plan, properly implemented, not only helps keep businesses open but possibly even helps them expand.
Wisconsin Main Street: 27 Years of People, Places and Progress
While there have been over $1.2 billion in public and private investment in Wisconsin Main Street communities over the past 27 years, what really makes it special are the people and places that have been involved.
Pop-Up Art Tour
Main Street Bartow's empty storefronts become pop-up art galleries to promote economic development.
A Walk Through Rehoboth Beach Main Street
Although a “beach town,” Rehoboth Beach is open 365 days a year, and with that has the unique challenge of catering to both year-round residents and tourists within a wide range of ages, interests and economic levels
Independent We Stand Makes Main Streets a Priority
In communities across the country, hardworking business owners and buy local advocates come together to foster an organized effort to reinvent and revitalize Main Streets and downtown districts.
Announcing the 2015 Great American Main Street Award Winners
The National Main Street Center is pleased to announce that Cape Girardeau, Mo., Montclair Center, N.J., and Rawlins, Wyo. were selected as the 2015 Great American Main Street Award® (GAMSA) winners.
