The Main Street America blog features stories and insights from across the Network. © Patricia Duran
2024 has been another great year for the Main Street Movement. We have rounded up some of the most interesting, innovative, and intriguing stories, insights, and advice from Main Street America and the Main Street Movement over the past 12 months. From hosting flowery festivities and welcoming furry friends to having difficult conversations and supporting new development opportunities, we hope these blogs inspire you to reflect on 2024 and get excited for 2025.
Lessons Learned from a Retail Incubator
Janna Groharing, Executive Director at Sterling Main Street (April 9, 2024)
Want to support new small businesses in your community? Consider building a retail incubator to provide them with a place to test their business plans. Sterling Main Street is proud of the success it has seen with its incubator space. Executive Director Janna Groharing shared the challenges they faced and the lessons they learned to help you plan and create one in your community. Read here >
Building Opportunities on Main Streets Through the BOOMS Tracker
Michael Powe, Ph.D., Senior Director of Research at Main Street America, and Emi Morita, Manager of Research at Main Street America (April 15, 2024)
Have you tried the Building Opportunities on Main Streets (BOOMS) Tracker yet? The BOOMS Tracker helps local leaders gather, store, and showcase information about their district’s built environment using a smartphone or other connected device. More than 5,000 properties have been inventoried since we launched the tool in April, and we are excited to continue growing and learning from this important resource. Learn more >
2024 has been a great year for storytelling, insights, and announcements on our blog. © Mel Climer – Climer Design
How to Rehabilitate a Historic Building
Becky Axilbund, Executive Director at Main Street Middletown, MD Inc. (May 21, 2024)
Historic buildings are powerful assets for economic growth, placemaking, and community character, but preserving these buildings can be a challenge. Main Street Middletown, MD Inc shared the process they used to preserve two historic buildings in their downtown. If you are embarking on a preservation project on your Main Street, Becky Axilbund’s advice will help demystify the process. Read here >
The Art of Market Analysis Series
Matt Wagner, Ph.D., Chief Innovation Officer at Main Street America (May and June 2024)
Market Analysis is more than crunching numbers. In this insightful series, Matt Wagner broke down the art of market analysis and how it relates to transformation strategy development using examples and data from real communities. If you want to use a market analysis in your work, this series will help you understand the available tools and develop a data-driven plan.
How Fredericksburg Main Street Uses Shop Crawls to Boost Downtown Businesses
Chris Allen, Executive Director at Fredericksburg Main Street (July 23, 2024)
In July, we spoke to the shop crawl experts at Fredericksburg Main Street about their unique flower crawl event. Shop crawl events are a great way to increase downtown foot traffic and introduce people to businesses they might not have explored. Executive Director Chris Allen shared their planning process, implementation strategies, and how they measure success. Read here >
Flower crawl participants hold their bouquets while they browse the merchandise in a participating retailer. © Fredericksburg Main Street
Downtown Lansing Steps into Tough Conversations About How To Make Public Spaces for Everyone
Erin Barnes, President and CEO at Main Street America (August 19, 2024)
Earlier this year, Main Street America’s President and CEO spoke to Downtown Lansing, Inc., about their approach to dealing with controversy and reflecting on their approach to equity. Her conversation with Cathleen Edgerly dove into the issue of houselessness, the importance of learning from backlash, and the role of Main Streets in creating public spaces for everyone. Read here >
Main Streets Are For The Dogs!
Marta Olmos, Associate Manager of Content and Communications at Main Street America (September 3, 2024)
Furry friends are a big hit in many downtowns and on our blog! According to the American Veterinary Medical Association, 44.6% of US households own a dog, and we are definitely seeing more canine companions in our downtowns. We gathered six examples of dog-friendly designs, events, and promotions to help you create a dog-friendly Main Street. Read here >
How to Survive and Thrive During Construction
Brooke Prouty, Small Business Specialist at Iowa Economic Development Authority (October 15, 2024)
A new streetscape has many benefits for Main Streets, but getting there can be difficult. Large construction projects require careful planning, frequent communication, and community support. Brooke Prouty at Iowa Economic Development Authority shared her step-by-step advice to help your community navigate the construction process and thrive throughout the disruption. Read here >
Groundbreaking for the Shoppes at Grandon Plaza. © Sauk Valley Area Chamber of Commerce.
Thank you to all the authors who shared their perspectives on our blog this year. We look forward to publishing more great stories, insights, and advice in 2025!