Join us May 6 – 8 in Birmingham, Alabama, for the 2024 Main Street Now Conference!
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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
Your one-stop-shop for all the latest stories, news, events, and opportunities – including grants and funding programs – across Main Street.
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.
As the Director of Government Relations, Kelly leads Main Street America’s (MSA) work to uplift the role of Main Street organizations to policy and decision makers. She works alongside MSA’s 44 Main Street state, city, and country Coordinating Programs in defending and growing their programs and supports MSA’s great network of Main Street programs in pushing for federal support for Main Streets.
Prior to serving as the Director of Government Relations, Kelly was the Manager of Education & Illinois Main Street Coordinating Program. In this role, Kelly worked to deliver professional development content via the Main Street America Institute (MSAI) and educational offerings of the Main Street Now Conference. In addition, she coordinated training, technical service, and communications for the amazing communities that comprise the Illinois Main Street program.
Before joining MSA in 2016, Kelly worked at the School of the Art Institute of Chicago (SAIC), which included implementing the school’s strategic plan for diversity and inclusion. Originally from northeast Ohio, Kelly graduated with a B.A. in Art History from Kenyon College and a M.S. in Historic Preservation from SAIC. Most recently, she completed the National Development Council’s Historic Real Estate Finance certification offered through MSAI.
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Understanding the Advisory Council on Historic Preservations report on federal historic preservation standards.
Toccoa, GA © Steph Maley
Learn how the HUD Pro Housing Program and other opportunities can help you increase affordable housing in your community.
Learn how you can participate in the Thriving Communities program as a capacity builder or how you can receive support from the program.
Learn the results of our Capitol Hill Day, the first to bring Main Street leaders together around a Main Street-focused agenda.
Community Development Block Grants are powerful tools for Main Street programs. Learn more about how CDBG's can be applied to our work and how you can advocate for the program
Two years after the American Rescue Plan Act, we are celebrating successful Main Street projects and sharing lessons learned in advocating for federal funds.
Key advocacy and policy updates from the 2023 Omnibus Spending Bill.
Check out our resources to help you communicate with government leaders, advance your policy goals, and expand the impact of your community development efforts.
