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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.

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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.

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Woman and girl at a festival booth in Kendall Whittier, Tulsa, Oklahoma.

Kendall Whittier — Tulsa, Oklahoma © Kendall Whittier Main Street

Get Involved

Join us in our work to advance shared prosperity, create strong economies, and improve quality of life in downtowns and neighborhood commercial districts.

Overview Join Us Renew Your Membership Donate Partner With Us Job Opportunities
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

Get Involved

Join us in our work to advance shared prosperity, create strong economies, and improve quality of life in downtowns and neighborhood commercial districts.

Overview Join Us Renew Your Membership Donate Partner With Us Job Opportunities

As the Senior Director of Marketing and Communications, Rachel leads the planning, development, and implementation of the day-to-day and long-term marketing and communications vision for Main Street America. 

This includes overseeing the digital, creative, and content strategy for the organization’s core services, brands, and programs across multiple channels and platforms. She is also responsible for directing special projects and campaigns that elevate and support the movement, and serves as the lead editor of publications and member resources, including State of Main, Navigating Main Streets as Places, The Future of Retail, and the Main Street Approach Design Handbook.

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Previously, Rachel led the development of the Main Street America Institute, the Center’s signature education and training program. Prior to joining Main Street America in 2013, Rachel worked for the Sustainability Program at the National Trust for Historic Preservation. She graduated with a degree in Art History from DePaul University and received a Master in Urban Planning and Policy degree from the University of Illinois at Chicago where she served as a research assistant for the Institute for Environmental Science and Policy.

Contact

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Articles & Publications

State of Main

State of Main provides a detailed look at all the accomplishments of the Main Street America Network and explores cutting edge ideas and trends in the commercial district revitalization field

  • The Main Street Approach
May 1, 2020
Aerial photograph of a downtown festival with vendors along a historic street
Publication

State of Main: Winter 2019

With articles written by industry experts on topics ranging from the transformative placemaking to inclusive entrepreneurship, the publication is brimming with tools, tips, and strategies that will help you lead a results-oriented revitalization effort.

  • The Main Street Approach
  • Public Space and Infrastructure
December 1, 2019
Cover of 2019 State of Main reading "Place and Community"
Publication

State of Main: Winter 2018

With articles written by industry experts on topics ranging from the future of retail to Main Street advocacy, the publication is brimming with tools, tips, and strategies that will help you lead a results-oriented revitalization effort.

  • Small Business & Entrepreneurship
  • People Management and Work Planning
December 1, 2018
2018 State of Main cover reading "the power of small"
Publication

State of Main: Fall 2016

Welcome to the inaugural edition of State of Main, the annual publication of Main Street America featuring thought leadership from across the network.

  • Public Space and Infrastructure
  • Equitable and Inclusive Community Development
October 1, 2016
2016 State of Main cover featuring a graphic of a city with roads, buildings, cars, and parks
Publication