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Marion, Iowa © Tasha Sams

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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.

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Emporia, Kansas © Emporia Main Street

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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.

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Dionne Baux and MSA partner working in Bronzeville, Chicago.

Chicago, Illinois © Main Street America

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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

The Latest

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

Overview News & Stories Events & Opportunities Subscribe
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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Collage of eight photos.

Clockwise from left: Berlin Main Street © Ivy Wells; Denison Main Street © Amanda Mendenhall; Easton Main Street Initiative © Greater Easton Development Partnership; Main Street Farmington © David Lewinski; Downtown Wytheville Inc. © Todd Wolford; Vicksburg Main Street Program © Visit Vicksburg; Raton MainStreet/​Arts & Culture District © Patricia Duran; Jefferson Matters © Meythaler Photography. 



Please join me in congratulating eight Main Street organizations as 2025 Great American Main Street Award semifinalists and celebrating their incredible accomplishments!
Erin Barnes, Main Street America President and CEO

This year’s semifinalists demonstrate exceptional achievements in reenergizing their downtowns through inclusive, collaborative organizing and innovative economic development, arts and culture, and historic preservation initiatives. The 2025 Great American Main Street Award semifinalists are: 

Berlin Main Street – Berlin, Maryland
Denison Main Street – Denison, Texas
Easton Main Street Initiative – Easton, Pennsylvania
Main Street Farmington – Farmington, Oakland County, Michigan
Jefferson Matters – Jefferson, Iowa
Raton MainStreet/​Arts & Culture District – Raton, New Mexico
Vicksburg Main Street Program – Vicksburg, Mississippi
Downtown Wytheville Inc. – Wytheville, Virginia 

A national jury of industry professionals and local leaders evaluated applications from Main Street programs working across the country. After careful consideration and deliberation, these eight organizations have been selected as semifinalists for the prestigious Great American Main Street Award (GAMSA) for excellence in fostering preservation-based revitalization efforts in their historic downtowns and commercial corridor districts through the Main Street Approach™. 

Collectively, the 2025 GAMSA semifinalists have generated over $695 million in local reinvestment, helped open 975 net new businesses, facilitated the creation of 7,190 net new jobs, catalyzed the rehabilitation of 1,568 historic buildings, and leveraged 333,050 volunteer hours.

Competing for the Great American Main Street Award is a significant achievement in the Main Street Movement, and receiving the award is an esteemed honor. Since its establishment in 1995, only 112 of over 2000 Main Street programs have been acknowledged as GAMSA-winning communities. Many Main Street programs create multi-year plans to develop a strong application based on outcomes that have made meaningful impacts in their local communities. Organizations are familiar with the selection criteria — strength of the Main Street program in spurring community transformation, commitment to historic preservation, innovative programming, implementation of cross-sector partnerships, community outreach and stakeholder engagement, and commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion — and build towards this opportunity to be recognized.

Keep reading to learn more about each organization and stay tuned to our social channels for semifinalist shout outs! Make sure to save the date for the award ceremony on April 7 during the opening plenary of the 2025 Main Street Now Conference in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, where three semifinalists will be recognized as 2025 Great American Main Street Award recipients.

  • People sit around outdoor tables placed in front of a large, historic brick hotel.

    The historic Atlantic Hotel is the center of attention in downtown Berlin. © Ivy Wells

  • A group of young people standing in front of a welcome center.

    Berlin Main Street’s social media efforts attract students downtown. © Ivy Wells

Berlin Main Street – Berlin, Maryland

The Berlin Main Street program is a wonderful example of how Main Streets create welcoming and thriving communities. Housed within the City of Berlin and built on strong public-private partnerships, Berlin Main Street’s accomplishments include increasing business opportunities for minority- and women-owned businesses, championing preservation and adaptive reuse projects, and nurturing a volunteer base and board of directors that reflects of the community’s diversity — from age and heritage to perspectives and interests. 

Berlin Main Street embraces diversity in many ways, including celebrating Black-owned businesses year-round, commemorating PRIDE Month with a flag-raising ceremony at City Hall, and creating opportunities for youth to get involved as volunteers and committee liaisons. The tree-lined district proudly boasts 47 structures on the National Register of Historic Places, 100% commercial occupancy, a thriving designated arts and entertainment district, and nearly two dozen annual events.

  • Women shop for hats in a brightly lit shop featuring a wall of colorful brimmed hats.

    Zig Zag Galleries, opened in 2020, hosts art gallery events, markers markets, and hat bar events on social media. © Amanda Mendenhall

  • A large group of people stand in the center of a newly paved street to cut a ribbon commemorating the completion of a streetscape project.

    The Denison community celebrated the completion of Phase 1 of the Designing Downtown Denison (D3) streetscape project in August, 2023. © Haley Mundine

Denison Main Street – Denison, Texas

Founded in 1989 as one of the first Main Street programs in Texas, Denison Main Street fosters social connections and drives transformative economic development and historic preservation efforts. Using survey results, customer data, and conversations with community members, Main Street Denison excels at implementing strategy-driven approaches to create goals, programs, and initiatives that deliver results.

The organization also works to welcome people of all ages, abilities, and background downtown through their new pedestrian-friendly streetscape and ADA accessible seating and sensory-friendly accommodations at free events. Denison’s beautifully preserved historic buildings draw admirers from near and far. To date, the district has witnessed 710 building rehabilitations, and in June, the organization achieved its ambitious goal of removing 100% of slipcovers from buildings along Main Street through a façade grant program.

  • A mosaic of colorful paper hearts fills the ground floor windows of an art supply store; in the foreground, a historic marker for Lafayette College is visible.

    The Love, Easton community art project transformed downtown Easton’s streets with thousands of colorful hearts. © April Khalil

  • Jill and Darcel ready to serve hot, fresh, delicious garlic knots at our annual fundraiser during Easton Garlic Fest.

    Dedicated volunteers serve on committees and staff events like the annual Easton Garlic Festival. © Greater Easton Development Partnership

Easton Main Street Initiative – Easton, Pennsylvania 

In the heart of Pennsylvania, Easton is a small city with a palpable sense of community ownership and pride. Easton Main Street Initiative is at the center of this renewed energy, bringing together local stakeholders from all backgrounds to realize a collective vision of a vibrant downtown. Established in 2005, their transformative design initiatives include a facade improvement grant program that has awarded over $425,000, multiple lighting improvement projects, and ambassadors who tend to plants, collect trash, and provide hospitality services to visitors and merchants in English and Spanish. 

Easton Main Street Initiative uses strategic partnerships and strong relationships to cultivate a thriving downtown. The organization’s collaboration with passionate volunteers and local anchor institutions like Lafayette College, the Crayola Experience, and Easton Farmers Market have resulted in the downtown becoming a hub of social and entrepreneurial activity. Easton Main Street Initiative played a crucial role in reducing the commercial vacancy rate from 26% in 2008 to 10% in 2024. From helping farmers market vendors grow into brick-and-mortar retailers to providing small business grants, Easton Main Street is a trusted source of support for budding entrepreneurs and established businesses alike.

  • People sit in chairs and play lawn games in a large square anchored by a pavilion structure.

    Rhythms in Riley Park concerts draw residents of all ages downtown on Friday nights with music and activities. © Jess Westendorf

  • Two women proudly stand in front of their business.

    Main Street Farmington’s micro business grant helped Miriam Searcy and Kelly Freeman relocate their business, All About Women, to downtown. © Vaughn Gurganian

Main Street Farmington – Farmington, Oakland County, Michigan 

Farmington is known as the ​“crossroads community” in south Oakland County, Michigan. Similarly, downtown Farmington’s bustling Main Street district is the result of the intersection between the community’s appreciation for its historic heritage and desire to embrace change. The organization plays crucial roles in capital improvement projects, including recently partnering with the city to finance the Farmington Road Streetscape Project and funding the renovation of public parks into universally accessible gathering spaces through crowdsourced campaigns. 

Main Street Farmington aligns its cultural programming under a placemaking catalyst strategy, ensuring that its events and promotions calendar creates year-round opportunities for people to gather downtown. They leverage visitor and business data and provide branding, promotion, and professional development services to support small business owners. These strategies are working: 66 net new businesses have opened and the vacancy rate in the district has dropped to 5% since the program began in 2002.

  • Bathed in purple light, a guitarist performs for a crowd gathered in a gallery space.

    Live music and fine art abound at Elliott Art Studio, made possible through a Jefferson Wants You start-up grant. © Matt Wetrich

  • Aerial view of a vibrant rooftop mural featuring a swan, a peacock, and flowers.

    Vibrant rooftop murals attract thousands of visitors to Jefferson’s Mahanay Bell Tower for a unique view of the town. © Matt Wetrich

Jefferson Matters – Jefferson, Iowa 

With a population of just over 4,000 people, Jefferson, Iowa, is a small town with big ambitions. Jefferson Matters focuses on promoting economic growth driven by their cultural and historic assets. They are committed to supporting multicultural families, providing opportunities across all income levels, and fostering welcoming spaces for LGBTQ+ people. Jefferson Matters works to improve the community in many ways, including facilitating historic building improvements, sponsoring historical plaques and tours, implementing downtown design improvements, and providing financial and technical assistance for startups and small businesses.

Recently, a new focus on public art has transformed the community. The organization’s rooftop mural initiative draws visitors to the town’s iconic bell tower to enjoy a spectacular view. When the pandemic caused the closure of a large software development office, Jefferson Matters knew they needed to pivot. They reallocated funds and worked with local leaders to build a strategy focused on the arts, resulting in new businesses and studio spaces, alleyway improvements, public art installations, and events. By emphasizing art downtown, they have filled vacant spaces and positioned their district as a destination for authentic cultural experiences.

  • A woman stands proudly beside fixtures displaying Western-style hats, belts, and memorabilia.

    Sandy Solano is the owner of Solano’s Boot and Western Wear, one of Raton’s oldest businesses and recipient of a $1,000 façade grant. © Brenda Ferri

  • Musicians perform on a stage.

    The Gate City Music Festival attracts features two days of live music, including an entire day dedicated to ranchera and popular Mexican music. © Patricia Duran

Raton MainStreet/​Arts & Culture District – Raton, New Mexico 

Raton, New Mexico, has deep roots in the mining industry, but when the last mines closed at the beginning of the 21st century, they knew they needed to write a new story. Raton MainStreet and the City of Raton worked together to develop a new economic strategy that invested in public infrastructure and leveraged the town’s cultural and creative assets. Outcomes include the implementation of streetscape improvements, the construction of a multimodal transit center, and the formation of Raton’s State-Authorized Arts & Cultural District. Their work has created a vibrant, sustainable, and connected downtown that serves the surrounding community and the region.

Raton MainStreet is committed to recognizing and celebrating their diverse, multicultural heritage, which includes descendants from founding Native American and Spanish settlers, as well as immigrants from around the world. Raton MainStreet takes care to center inclusive organizational leadership by recruiting board members that reflect their community, including Hispanic, Native American, and LGBTQ+ members. They also prioritize age inclusion, with board members ranging in age from 16 to 68. From free admission events that welcome residents of all backgrounds to grant programs that invest in district merchants, Raton MainStreet is leading efforts to revive community pride.

  • A large group of people gather in front of vacant storefronts.

    Vacant to Vibrant tours keep the history of older buildings alive while crowdsourcing ideas for their future. © Vicksburg Main Street

  • Five musicians perform.

    Regular jam night events at Key City Brewery attract musicians and music lovers downtown to groove and enjoy fresh brews. © Vicksburg Main Street

Vicksburg Main Street Program – Vicksburg, Mississippi 

Nestled along the Mississippi River, Vicksburg is a modern town with a deep history. Vicksburg Main Street brings together historic preservation, recreation, and community engagement to promote a beautiful and thriving downtown. Signature activities include Second Saturday events that blend live music with art and shopping, and ​“From Vacant to Vibrant” tours that encourage community members to envision new uses for underutilized commercial spaces and co-create the organization’s business attraction strategies. These efforts have driven a rise in foot traffic, increased business revenue, and stronger community engagement.

Vicksburg Main Street also works closely with existing businesses to create sustainable growth and foster the next generation of local leaders. When the owners of several family-owned businesses recently retired, Vicksburg Main Street acted quickly to reduce the risk of closure. They helped identify young entrepreneurs who were excited to take over the businesses, ensuring that these important economic and cultural assets remained in the community. As a result, downtown Vicksburg has drastically decreased its commercial vacancy rate from 65% in 1984 to just 4% today.

  • A small group of people gather on a sidewalk for a photo with a large ceremonial check.

    Downtown Wytheville Inc. crowdsourced funds to support the recovery of the town’s historic 1776 Log House Restaurant. © Michelle Govin Photography

  • People stroll down a wide street lined with classic cars.

    Downtown Wytheville’s recently improved roadways and sidewalks create a welcoming venue for community events that attract thousands. © Michelle Govin Photography

Downtown Wytheville Inc. – Wytheville, Virginia 

Downtown Wytheville Inc. is proud of its role as a leader within their community and across the Main Street Movement. They work closely with local government and elected officials to create lasting change and grow local pride. They also act as a mentor for Mobilizing Main Street programs and engage in knowledge sharing and partnerships with other Main Street programs. Downtown Wytheville Inc. is committed to representing the full breadth of their community, including recruiting a diverse board and supporting youth leadership. 

Through collaboration with property owners, community leaders, and government, Downtown Wytheville Inc. has attracted millions in public and private investment. Through their administration of a community business launch grant, they spurred the creation of two full-scale breweries, a bakery, and an art school expansion. During the pandemic, Downtown Wytheville Inc. found itself at the center of a community that needed them more than ever. In response, they launched a grant fund to support local businesses and distributed Community Development Block Grant funds as rent and mortgage relief. This swift action helped save legacy businesses and stabilize households.

Tune in to the Main Street America social media channels for spotlights of each semifinalist throughout the month of October. Save the date for the award ceremony on April 7, 2025, during the opening plenary of the 2025 Main Street Now Conference in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.

Related News and Stories

Now Accepting Nominations: 2025 Mary Means Leadership Award

Join us in celebrating the incredible accomplishments of exceptional leaders shaping the Main Street Movement by nominating your organization’s stellar director, board member, or volunteer for the prestigious Mary Means Leadership Award. The nomination portal is open through Friday, December 6.

October 21, 2024
Mileyka Burgos-Flores (center) and her family with Mary Means (right).

2024 Mary Means Leadership Award recipient Mileyka Burgos-Flores with her family and Mary Means. © Tosha Gaines Photography/​Main Street America

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BFFs to Business Partners with Kaycee McCoy, Pawsnickety Pets

Join host Matt Wagner as he welcomes Kaycee McCoy, co-owner and creative lead at Pawsnickety Pets in Norfolks, Virginia. Kaycee and her best friend, Shizuka Benton, launched the all-natural and organic pet supply business in Norfolk at the start of the pandemic, but have used their combined talents to keep the business growing and thriving over the last four years.

October 16, 2024
Headshot of smiling woman wearing white sweater
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Last Chance: Secure Your Spot at the 2024 Community Transformation Workshop

Due to unprecedented demand, we've added an additional 5 spots and a waitlist for our Community Transformation Workshop in Iowa. Register today to take advantage of this opportunity to invest in your ability to develop solutions for your downtown and create transformation strategies that work.

September 23, 2024
Three people working together to install a planter and fence, while in the background another person carries a square planter and main street lined with historic buildings are visible.

Volunteers help make streetscape improvements in Nevada, Iowa. © Main Street Nevada

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Almost Sold Out: 2024 Community Transformation Workshop

There are only a few spaces still available for this intensive high impact, hands-on learning experience for place professionals. Register today and join us in Des Moines & Nevada, Iowa, from October 15-16, to gain tools to develop real world solutions for your downtown district. Registration closes September 27, or once capacity is reached.

August 20, 2024
A small group of people walk down a sidewalk; one person smiles and waves while others engage in conversation.

District walks and conversations with community members are key to successful transformation strategies. © Main Street Nevada

 Events and Opportunities

Just Opened: 2025 Main Street Now Conference Call for Proposals

Main Street America and Pennsylvania Downtown Center invite local leaders and industry experts to submit session proposals for the 2025 Main Street Now Conference. Answer our call for engaging and practical sessions that speak to a broad variety of subjects, community demographics, and expertise levels, guided by the Main Street Approach today!

July 17, 2024
Ben Franklin bridge with Philadelphia skyline in the background; with the Main Street Now 2025 logo in the center.

Philadelphia, Pennsylvania © Ultima-Gaina/iStock

 Events and Opportunities

Registration Open: Boost Your Ability to Lead Catalytic Projects at our 2024 Community Transformation Workshop

Join us in Des Moines & Nevada, Iowa, from October 15-16, for this intensive high impact, hands-on learning experience for place professionals and boost your ability to lead catalytic projects in your community. Space is limited! Registration closes September 27, or once capacity is reached.

July 15, 2024
People sit at tables set-up on a street and chat while listening to a band performing on a stage.

Events create opportunities for the community to gather in downtown Nevada, Iowa. © Linda Wendt

 Events and Opportunities

Don’t Miss Your Chance to Apply for the 2025 Great American Main Street Award

With just two weeks until applications are due, now is the time to gather images, edit responses, and rewatch the informational webinar. Seize this moment to apply for the Main Street Movement’s greatest honor! The application portal is open through Friday, July 26.

July 10, 2024
A group of people pose in front of a downtown restaurant holding the GAMSA plaque

The Madison Main Street team poses in front of a local business with their GAMSA plaque. © Madison Main Street

 Events and Opportunities

Save the Date: 2024 Community Transformation Workshop in Iowa

Registration for this high impact, hands-on learning experience for place professionals interested in gaining tools, skills, and techniques necessary to address complex revitalization initiatives will open in July. Read to learn more and add the 2024 Community Transformation Workshop in Des Moines & Nevada, Iowa, to your calendar.

June 17, 2024
A group of people strike poses while standing atop a historic theater marquee.

Main Street Nevada is excited to welcome 2024 Community Transformation Workshop participants in October. © Main Street Nevada

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Now Accepting Applications: 2025 Great American Main Street Award

Has your Main Street program made significant strides in realizing your community’s vision for its downtown? Do your projects and programs serve as models for comprehensive, preservation-based commercial district revitalization? If this sounds like you, then you could be a candidate for the 2025 Great American Main Street Award! The application portal is open through Friday, July 26.

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A saxophonist, drummer, and vocalist set-up on a wide sidewalk perform for pedestrians.

Macon, Georgia © Mike Young Photography

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Main Spotlight: Announcing the 2024 Great American Main Street Award Winners

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May 6, 2024
A large group of people clap and wave from stage.

Madison Main Street Program accepts their 2024 Great American Main Street Award. © Alicia Gallo

 Announcement

Main Spotlight: Announcing the 2024 Main Street America Designated Communities and Collective Impact of Local Programs in 2023

We are proud to announce that 1,188 programs have achieved designations as Main Street America programs in recognition of their commitment to preservation-based economic development and community revitalization through the Main Street Approach™, and that local programs generated $5.68 billion in local reinvestment in 2023.

April 24, 2024
On a sunny day, diners enjoy outdoor sidewalk seating under the shade of trees and meals from a café located in a historic brick building.

Sidewalk dining in downtown Camas, Washington © Downtown Camas Association

 Announcement

Closing Friday: Pre-Registration for Main Street Now 2024

In just two weeks local leaders will convene in Birmingham, Alabama, for the 2024 Main Street Now Conference from May 6-8. Online registration at the regular rate ends on Friday, April 26. Act now to secure your spot and keep reading to get the latest recommendations for an unforgettable experience.

April 22, 2024
Vulcan Statue with illuminated city of Birmingham skyline in the background. The statue's raised spear points to the Main Street Now 2024 logo in the upper right corner.
Events and Opportunities

Two Weeks Left to Register for Main Street Now 2024

Online registration and the regular rate are available through Friday, April 26. Download the conference mobile app, sign-up for the attendee webinar, grab some Shop Main Street merch, get recommendations, and more!

April 12, 2024
Vulcan Statue with illuminated city of Birmingham skyline in the background. The statue's raised spear points to the Main Street Now 2024 logo in the upper right corner.
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One Month Away: Main Street Now 2024!

With just a little over a month to go until we convene in Birmingham, Alabama, for the 2024 Main Street Now Conference from May 6-8, we are excited to announce that the full schedule is available online and the mobile app is ready for download.

April 4, 2024
Vulcan Statue with illuminated city of Birmingham skyline in the background. The statue's raised spear points to the Main Street Now 2024 logo in the upper right corner.
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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.

April 20, 2023
Headshots of each of the MSARP recipients with the MSARP logo
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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.

January 31, 2023
Main Street Foundations Series logo
Announcement

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.

December 20, 2022
Photo collage with overlaid text reading "most popular blogs of 2022"
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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.

December 8, 2022
2023 Mary Means Leadership Award logo
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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.

December 22, 2020
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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.

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A woman wearing a helmet sits in a wooden derby car, a man behind her gets ready to push the car.
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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.

October 25, 2018
Group of people gather in small business.
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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.

September 27, 2018
Designed image reading, "Vote Your Main Street 2018"
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Community Spotlight: Ames, Iowa

Downtown Ames hosted a festival for the 46th annual RAGBRAI race (The Register's Annual Great Bike Ride Across Iowa).

August 29, 2018
Large crowd gathers outside downtown scene at night
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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

July 23, 2018
Man and woman have discussion on news show.
Announcement

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.

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White stately building with columns and tower at the center of a town square.
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Announcing the 2018 Great American Main Street Award Winners

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March 26, 2018
Graphic with Great America Main Street Award 2018 logo, Main Street America logo, USBank logo, and text reading, "Downtown Oregon City, Oregon, Rock Springs Main Street, Wyoming, Howell Main Street, Michigan," with photos representing each community.
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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.

October 31, 2017
Aerial shot of historic downtown scene on rainy day.
Insights

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.

July 10, 2017
A small group of people talk on a downtown street. Patrice tours Downtown Howell, Michigan, with Howell Main Street Executive Director Cathleen Edgerly, staff, and Howell Mayor Proctor.
Announcement

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.

June 22, 2017
Large group of people at outdoor festival
Insights

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.

June 13, 2017
Two photos of a small dog
Storytelling

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.

May 25, 2017
Large crowd of people walk through commercial district
Insights

Main Street Nation Radio

The first official show under the Main Street Nation banner aired in June 2015 on WJR-760 AM Detroit.

May 24, 2017
Group of four people sitting in podcast recording booth
Storytelling

Pop-Up Art Tour

Main Street Bartow's empty storefronts become pop-up art galleries to promote economic development.

May 24, 2017
Photo collage of people looking at local art.
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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

May 24, 2017
People walking along narrow sidewalk with small businesses along each side.
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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.

May 11, 2017
Two women, Renee Changnon, Assistant Editor Hardware Retailing Magazine, and Tara Mazzarella of Independent We Stand, stand in front of blue van.
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