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At the 2023 Community Transformation Workshop, participants shared what they learned about transformation strategies. © Alicia Gallo
Last winter, Main Street America’s Education Team announced that the Main Street America Institute would be undergoing an intensive program assessment to ensure our curriculum and learning experiences meet the needs of our network and provide content that is reflective of everyone we serve. Nearly six months after that announcement, I am excited to share that we are on track to unveil our new learning model in Spring 2025 — and that we’ve learned a lot through our exploration and listening process.
In this update, and with the above in mind, I want to share the top five changes coming to the Main Street America Institute and our associated certification journey toward the Main Street America Revitalization Professional (MSARP) credential.
Not a One-Size Fits All Approach
We heard loud and clear that, while certification is highly valued within our network, many across the network are seeking a learning journey that speaks to their individual role or place within the Main Street Movement. In the future, you can expect a customized and flexible journey based on your role or interest. While the pathway(s) to certification will change, we will still offer certification if you decide that it is beneficial for you.
An Experience, not a Curriculum Checklist
Our network craves hands-on, immersive experiences, community and relationships, and learning journeys that are practical, transparent, and applicable. Main Street is a contact sport. You can’t ABCD your way to an inclusive, thriving community. We know that to meet these requests, we need to diversify not only the information and content we offer, but also the channels in which we offer them. Lecture or direct instruction is not always the best use of class time; instead, there are a variety of ways to structure learning experiences so that you’re challenged to grow and be responsible for comprehending information — and applying it.
Participants getting to know each other during the 2023 Community Transformation Workshop. © Alicia Gallo
Affordable and Equitable
We’ve learned that folks in our network did not feel many of the Institute’s offerings were relevant for them because their experiences, information needs, communities, and identities were not reflected in the homogenous content. We’ve also learned that for many, our offerings and the culminating certification were inaccessible because of cost. Further, we know there are a wide variety of learning types that our previous model did not consider. We plan on ensuring we deliver content through a range of mediums to accommodate the diversity of learning styles. Our new model makes certain that our learning experiences are both accessible and equitable, and that everyone can see themselves represented.
Out with the Old; In with the New
Content and information are ever evolving. In 2024, with AI on the table, it’s critical to stay on top of trends and new ideas. Our new learning model will, of course, house foundational Main Street content and knowledge, but it is also designed to accommodate new courses, information, and trends readily. We’ll rotate outdated courses or information out, and relevant and/or hot topic content into the model, giving our network access to an evolving curriculum tied to data, story, trends, and even course topic requests.
Never Stop Learning
We are so proud of our MSARP certification holders; their expertise and knowledge is critical to the Main Street movement, and so many are making significant contributions to Main Street, far and wide. We want to ensure our certification remains not only relevant, but highly respected. In truth, learning never stops — and we want to continue to support the growth of our MSARP recipients. You can expect certification renewal requirements with the new model, a common practice for industry level certifications. Also, we can’t wait to announce new ways for those with the MSARP to participate and share their expertise within the new learning model.
On the horizon, we have two incredible learning opportunities that reflect some of the changes above, and many changes in both delivery and content. Be sure to look out for:
Supporting Small Businesses on Main Street: This course is a live, three-week-long virtual and interactive experience. It will take place on September 5, 12, and 19. More details coming in July 2024!
* If you’ve taken this course in the past, we challenge you to take part again this year — we want you to experience the differences!
The Community Transformation Workshop: This is an in-person, immersive experience taking place in Des Moines and Nevada, Iowa, on October 15 and 16. Registration will open in mid-July.
We are working hard to deliver an incredible learning experience for our network. Thank you for your support, and we can’t wait for what’s to come!
Do you have any questions? Please reach out to msai@mainstreet.org.
Do you want to be notified when our new model is unveiled? Subscribe to receive updates >
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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.
