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Marion, Iowa © Tasha Sams
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.
Emporia, Kansas © Emporia Main Street
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.
Chicago, Illinois © Main Street America
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!
Waterloo, Iowa © Main Street Waterloo
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Kendall Whittier — Tulsa, Oklahoma © Kendall Whittier Main Street
Join us in our work to advance shared prosperity, create strong economies, and improve quality of life in downtowns and neighborhood commercial districts.
In Vancouver, Washington, murals celebrate the community’s rich arts heritage and bring vibrancy to a previously neglected area. © Alicia Gallo
“You can’t use up creativity. The more you use, the more you have.”
When I joined Main Street America as a Program Officer in March of this year, I was excited to once again be a part of the Main Street Movement.
My Main Street career began in 2013 as Executive Director at Downtown Oregon City Association, a 2018 Great American Main Street Award winner. From 2019 until joining Main Street America, I was Executive Director at Creative Flagstaff, Flagstaff Arizona’s art, science, and culture agency. My family drew me to Arizona, but I brought Main Street with me, applying its principles of community-led transformation to the arts and culture sector in Flagstaff. Through that experience, I gained a deeper appreciation for the arts and the role that the arts play in our communities.
In my current role, I know that art and culture will continue to be an important part of my work. The arts and artists are important to all Main Streets — even if they may not be expressly identified as a transformation strategy or work plan goal.
As Main Street leaders, we talk a lot about placemaking and place keeping, cultural events, and public art. Over the past several years — especially with the onset of the pandemic — we’ve seen even greater investment in, and activation of, our public places. Why do we gather for arts and cultural experiences? Why do they matter and why might we lean into them in new ways?
We often say Main Streets are the heart and soul of our communities. A thoughtful, well-maintained, and well-designed district is nothing without the people that bring it to life. We gather in downtowns and commercial corridors to enjoy good food, partake in outings with family or friends, or to be present in our neighborhood public and third spaces.
We also gather to experience art together — live music at festivals, murals on buildings, paint night at a wine bar, Shakespeare in the park, or shopping at an eclectic art gallery. Whatever the art experiences, we are immersed in the creative expression of others (and sometimes ourselves) and taken on a shared emotional journey.
These collective experiences are not dissimilar from the community engagement and community buy-in efforts that are critical to our Main Street work. Research backs up the this link to the Main Street Approach: according to the Americans for the Arts’ Arts Impact Explorer Tool, we know that participatory arts increase the desire for engagement and brings people together. Including the arts in our planning processes leads to more vibrant communities.
In Oregon City, Artist Tiffany Carbonneau’s installation, called Illuminate Oregon City, was created using public sessions to inform her projection mapping. This project inspired investment in Oregon City’s beloved Municipal Elevator and was on display for a year. © Tiffany Carbonneau
Recently, my community in Flagstaff conducted a broad intercept survey as part of a larger research project by Americans for the Arts called Arts and Economic Prosperity 6 (AEP6). We learned that the nonprofit arts and culture sector in Flagstaff generates $86 million in annual economic impact and over 1,000 jobs. One of these 40+ nonprofits is Dark Sky Aerial, an aerial theatre company. In 2018, they embarked on an inspiring collaboration to create a place-based production, TILT, that included an immersive multi-room play inside a historic hotel.
Nationally arts and cultural economic activity comprise 4.4 percent of U.S. gross domestic product (by comparison, agriculture is 5.6 percent). In 2019, the National Governor’s Association produced a report that outlines the role of arts in rural economic development. It summarized many key points including:
While becoming an “arts district” may not be a Main Street organization’s ultimate objective, data demonstrates that the inclusion of the arts in economic development strategies is essential.
When we think about the arts and the four points of the Main Street Approach, we often immediately think of Promotion or Design. It is no surprise, then, that Main Street programs commonly engage in events that include temporal cultural experiences or beautification with art. The arts, however, are essential for Organization and Economic Vitality as well. To strengthen the role of the arts in your efforts, consider bringing the following questions to your board, committee, staff, and strategic planning meetings:
The arts are essential to our community work. I look forward to exploring the role of arts in Main Streets as I hit the road working with communities across the country. If you have an innovative or exciting arts program that you would like to share with us, please reach out!
Don't miss this opportunity to celebrate your successes and inspire your peers by applying to become a speaker at 2025 Main Street Now Conference in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania! The deadline to submit proposals is Friday, September 6.
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania © Ultima-Gaina/iStock
This summer, our archetypes intern explored different types of Main Streets and the unique challenges and opportunities that they face.
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.
LaCrosse Community Pride shares how they use the Main Street Approach to make a significant impact in a town of less than 300 people.
Share your Main Street story at the 2025 Main Street Now Conference in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania! We are looking for session proposals from new voices, experienced practitioners, and local experts in downtown revitalization. Don't miss your chance to inspire, engage, and lead—proposals are due by September 6.
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania © Ultima-Gaina/iStock
The deadline to nominate your community for the Main Street Movement's most prestigious award is Friday, July 26–just a few days away. Now is the time to put finishing touches on your application!
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!
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania © Ultima-Gaina/iStock
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.
Events create opportunities for the community to gather in downtown Nevada, Iowa. © Linda Wendt
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.
Learn how the 2024 GAMSA winners celebrated this exciting achievement and the impact that the Great American Main Street Award has had on their work and their communities.
Join us for a three-part webinar series revisiting some of the most popular sessions from the 2024 Main Street Now Conference. Experts from across the network will share their knowledge and practical information on a range of perennial Main Street topics.
Speakers kick-off a session at Main Street Now 2024. © Alicia Gallo
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.
Join us for free webinars revisiting some of the most popular sessions from the 2024 Main Street Now Conference. Experts from across the network will share their knowledge and practical information on a range of perennial Main Street topics.
How to Measure Downtown Impact session at Main Street Now 2024 © Molly Alexander
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.
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.
Macon, Georgia © Mike Young Photography
Jackie Swihart spoke with Abby Huff at Indiana Main Street about their recent experience utilizing Main Street America's transformation strategies workshops.
The MSARP credential is the highest level of achievement offered through the Main Street America Institute, requiring dedication to completing a rigorous curriculum. Join us in celebrating eight Main Street leaders who have most recently achieved this prestigious credential!
Erin Barnes shares her reflections from the 2024 Main Street Now Conference in Birmingham, Alabama.
Main Street America is proud to recognize NewTown Macon, Madison Main Street Program, and Monroeville Main Street as 2024 Great American Main Street Award winners. All three organizations serve as exemplary models for reenergizing downtown districts through collective action that fosters vibrant downtowns through grassroots economic development, preservation with a purpose, and creative problem solving
Main Street Alabama is thrilled to welcome Main Streeters to Birmingham for Main Street Now 2024. As you build out your personal agenda, make sure to also make time to explore our amazing host city. Check out this roundup of some local favorites for you to explore between conference sessions, activities, and celebrations.
“It’s Nice to Have You in Birmingham” mural by Creighton Tynes © Bham Now
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.
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.
Urban Impact Inc., harnesses strategic investments and collaborative efforts to foster a vibrant and sustainable future, from visionary adaptive reuse ventures to transformative development grants for small businesses and property owners in Birmingham, Alabama's historic 4th Avenue Black Business District.
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!
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.
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.
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.
With a specially priced registration rate of $199, tailored education track, free lunch & learn session, and abundant networking opportunities, Main Street Now 2024 is made for civic leaders passionate about community preservation and economic development in historic downtowns and neighborhood commercial corridors.
Kelly Ingram Park © Greater Birmingham CVB
Register by March 11 to lock in big savings with the early bird rate!
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
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
Last chance to make your voice heard with Main Street America's 2024 Main Street Trends Survey!
Meet the recipients of the 2024 round of GM on Main Street grants.
Check out these new experiences at the 2024 Main Street Now Conference in Birmingham, Alabama.
Birmingham skyline from Railroad Park. © Sean Pavone/iStock
Join us in Birmingham, Alabama, May 4-5, 2024, for one of Main Street America Institute’s highest rated and recommended workshops!
Meet Main Street America's new Board Chair, Jess Zimbabwe.
Contribute your perspective to our annual survey of the Main Street Movement.
Check out some of the highlights of the many sessions that will be offered at the 2024 Main Street Now Conference.
Woodlawn Market Place © Nathan Watson/Bham Now
Join us in Birmingham, Alabama, on May 6-9 for the 2024 Main Street Now Conference!
Recognize the exceptional Main Street leader in your community with this prestigious award.
From housing to small business and more, read the best blogs we shares in 2023!
Florence, SC © Phil Eich
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.
Meet the communities who received a T-Mobile Hometown Grant to support community-driven placemaking initiatives.
Recognize an exception leader in your community with this prestigious Main Street award.
Get ready for three days of education sessions, special events, mobile workshops, and opportunities to explore "The Magic City."
Recognize an exceptional leader in your community with this prestigious Main Street award!
We spoke with Erin Barnes to learn more about her passions and interests and explore her plans for the Movement.
Main Streeters gathered for the Community Transformation Workshop to explore strategies to advance their work.
Meet the new officers and new members, and give thanks to the outgoing members on Main Street America's leadership council.
Ostego, MI
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
Don't miss your chance to submit a proposal for a session at the 2024 Main Street Now conference!
Meet the latest recipients of this community development grant program.
Erin Barnes shares her neighborhood and invites other Main Streeters to share theirs.
Congratulations to these exceptional Main Street programs!
Don't miss your chance to submit a proposal for the 2024 Main Street Now conference!
Don't miss your chance to share your expertise with attendees in Birmingham, Alabama!
Leaders from a Virginia Main Street program traveled to South Carolina to learn from another award-winning community.
© Jenny Boulware
This three-week live, online course will prepare local leaders to more effectively work with small business owners in their districts and create an environment that is supportive of entrepreneurship.
© Notice Pictures
Share you perspective and expertise at the 2024 Main Street Now Conference in Birmingham, Alabama, on May 6-8.
Don't miss your opportunity to participate in this exciting educational opportunity!
We are excited to announce that Erin Barnes has been chosen as our next President and CEO. Learn more about her career.
The recordings of our Summer School Webinar Series are now available in the Knowledge Hub!
Don't miss your opportunity to showcase your community's achievements!
Share your ideas for exciting and innovative sessions at the 2023 Main Street Now Conference!
Learn how you can harness design principles and strategies to create a cooler, more welcoming downtown.
Join us for a three-part webinar series revisiting some of the most popular sessions from the 2023 Main Street Now Conference
Don't miss your opportunity to showcase your community's achievements!
Sheridan, WY © Downtown Sheridan Association
Join us for a three-part webinar series revisiting some of the most popular sessions from the 2023 Main Street Now Conference
Meet the newest recipients of the T-Mobile Hometown Grants, reaching a milestone of 200 towns impacted by the program.
Nominate your community for this prestigious award recognizing excellence in commercial district revitalization.
Sheridan, WY © Downtown Sheridan Association
We are excited to share a recent collaboration with Spark! Places of Innovation, a traveling exhibition curated by the Smithsonian Institution’s Museum on Main Street program.
Washington, D.C. © Rizka
Learn how to tackle complex revitalization scenarios with our Community Transformation Workshop, October 2-3 in Vancouver, WA.
Vancouver, WA © Vancouver Downtown Association
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
We are excited to welcome Jenice Contreras to the Main Street America Board of Directors. Jenice has a long record of leadership across community and economic development with deep experience with equitable growth, small-scale development, and cultural preservation.
Cleveland, OH © DJ Johnson
Join Main Street America experts in Vancouver, Wash., to gain first-hand experience in harnessing transformation strategies to successfully revitalize your Main Street!
Vancouver, WA © Vancouver Downtown Association
We are excited to announce that 862 Main Street programs across the country have earned Accredited status, Main Street America’s top level of recognition.
Metuchen, NJ © Lauren Beischer
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.
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.
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.
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.
Meet the three communities who were honored with this prestigious award!
There is so much to see, learn, explore, taste, and enjoy across our neighborhood districts. Welcome to Boston!
Explore the resiliency and future-focused mindset of Roslindale Village Main Street, one of the first urban Main Street Programs in the nation.
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
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.
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.
Todd Wolford, executive director of Downtown Wytheville Inc and recipient of the 2022 Mary Means Leadership Award, reflects on his Main Street career.
Jackie Swihart, Program Officer for MSA, shares some key takeaways from the three-day event.
Laramie, WY © Main Street America
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
Learn how Main Streets from California to Florida have used Farmers Markets to transform their communities and achieve Main Street goals.
Outgoing President and CEO Patrice Frey closes out her tenure at Main Street America and transitions into a new role.
At the Opening Plenary at the Main Street Now Conference in Richmond, Virginia, Patrice Frey shared lessons and reflections from her past nine years at Main Street.
Main Street America congratulates our 2022 designated communities and explores the impact of the Main Street Movement.
Toccoa, GA © Steph Maley
Mary Means, founder of the Main Street Movement, reflects on her experiences at Main Street Now 2022 and shares advice for local leaders.
Meet the winners of this award recognizing Main Street excellence.
Meet Parramore, a historically African-American community in Orlando, Florida.
Orlando, FL © Tyla Harrington
Each week this Women's History Month, Main Street America is spotlighting the stories of women leaders in local and coordinating Main Street programs.
Each week this Women's History Month, Main Street America is spotlighting the stories of women leaders in local and coordinating Main Street programs.
Each week this Women's History Month, Main Street America is spotlighting the stories of women leaders in local and coordinating Main Street programs.
Each week this Women's History Month, Main Street America is spotlighting the stories of women leaders in local and coordinating Main Street programs.
Main Street America's partners in Chicago celebrate two years of training and technical assistance in the city.
Chicago, IL © Main Street America
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.
After many zoom meetings, our road warriors are back visiting communities and providing technical assistance.
Washington, IA © Kathy La Plante
President and CEO Patrice Frey reflects on 2020 and the early events of 2021.
Florence, SC © True Light Photography
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.
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.
Meet the latest graduates of our certificate program for leaders in commercial district revitalization.
Georgetown has developed a strong Downtown Master Plan that helps serve as a guide-point for planning efforts in downtown
Meet Sharon Jablonski, the Director of Morganton Main Street in Morganton, North Carolina, and the first recipient of the Mary Means Leadership Award.
Congratulations to these Main Street programs for their fantastic work!
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.
American Express, the National Trust for Historic Preservation and Main Street America announced the winners of the 2018 Partners in Preservation: Main Streets campaign.
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.
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.
Main Street Hampton hosted a Food and Friends Farm-to-Table dinner at the Rustic Brew during Main Street Iowa Restaurant Week.
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.
Downtown Ames hosted a festival for the 46th annual RAGBRAI race (The Register's Annual Great Bike Ride Across Iowa).
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.
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
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.
Nearly slated for demolition 30 years ago, downtown Cedar Falls has experienced an amazing transformation through its revitalization journey using the Main Street Approach.
Since starting as Executive Director, Todd has helped the organization achieve Virginia Main Street Designation Status and national Accreditation.
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.
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.
Ridgefield Main Street is an energetic, up-and-coming Washington Main Street program located just north of Vancouver, Washington.
A series of small, incremental improvements, when taken together, provide momentum for long-term economic transformation and improved quality of life in a community.
Here's a bit of background on each of the communities. Read on for the Refresh Implementation Q&A.
The National Main Street Center, Inc. announced the 2017 Great American Main Street Award (GAMSA) during its annual conference in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.
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 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.
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.
Letter from past MSA President, Patrice Frey
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.
Back in October 2015, we introduced the three key components of the refreshed Main Street Approach: inputs, outputs and Community Transformation Strategies.
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.
This need for change results from the heavy emphasis on three components of the refreshed Main Street Approach.
The 2016 winners are a diverse group in geography and character, but together demonstrate the broad applicability of the Main Street Approach:
The first official show under the Main Street Nation banner aired in June 2015 on WJR-760 AM Detroit.
The economic value of historic preservation on Main Street.
A series of demonstration projects providing the opportunity to test new strategies on the ground, learn from practitioners, and refine the approach.
A business retention and expansion plan, properly implemented, not only helps keep businesses open but possibly even helps them expand.
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.
Main Street Bartow's empty storefronts become pop-up art galleries to promote economic development.
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
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.
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.
