Winners represent the diversity of communities in the Main Street America network — small towns, mid-sized communities, and urban commercial districts from every region in the country — and demonstrate the power of the Main Street Approach™. Since the inception of the Great American Main Street Award in 1995, over 100 Main Street programs have been honored.

Eligibility: All Accredited Main Street America programs, with an active Main Street membership and that have not previously won, are eligible to apply for GAMSA.

Application: The GAMSA application period typically takes place during the summer months. Eligible communities were invited to submit applications for 2024 GAMSA consideration from June 20-August 4, 2023.

Selection Criteria: Semifinalist and winners are selected from a nationwide pool of applicants by a jury of Main Street professionals and leaders in the fields of community and economic development and historic preservation. Criteria for winning GAMSA include: strength of the Main Street program in spurring community transformation, commitment to historic preservation, innovative programming, implementation of cross-sector partnerships, community outreach and stakeholder engagement, and commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion.

Accolades & Ceremony: Semifinalists receive media relations support and promotion through Main Street America’s digital platforms. Finalists also receive a promotional video, profiles on the Main Street America website, and additional promotion. We look forward to recognizing the winners at the 2024 Main Street Now Conference in Birmingham, Alabama!

Questions: Email gamsa@​mainstreet.​org.