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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

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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.

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Dionne Baux and MSA partner working in Bronzeville, Chicago.

Chicago, Illinois © Main Street America

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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!

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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

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

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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.

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

Main Street = Economic Development

Through the cumulative success of the Main Street Approach™ and Main Street America programs on the local level, the Main Street Movement has earned a reputation as one of the most powerful economic development tools in the nation. Main Street America documents this impact annually through the collection of statistical information on the preservation and economic activities performed by local Main Street programs throughout the country.

Since 1980, the Main Street Movement has resulted in $101.6 billion reinvested locally, 168,693 net new businesses, 746,897 net gain in jobs, 325,119 buildings rehabbed, and 33.7 million volunteer hours.

© Main Street America

Since 1980, the Main Street Movement has resulted in $101.6 billion reinvested locally, 168,693 net new businesses, 746,897 net gain in jobs, 325,119 buildings rehabbed, and 33.7 million volunteer hours.


2022 Reinvestment Statistics

$6.25 Billion

Dollars Reinvested*

10,688

Buildings Rehabilitated

29,174

Net Gain in Jobs

7,657

Net Gain in Businesses

$24.07:1

Reinvestment Ratio**

1.53 Million

Volunteer Hours

The above estimates are based on statistics gathered from January 1, 2022, to December 31, 2022, for all designated Main Street communities nationwide. There were 1,200 programs included in this report.

*Total reinvestment in physical improvements from public & private sources.

**The Reinvestment Ratio measures the amount of new investment that occurs, on average, for every dollar a participating community spends to support the operation of its Main Street program, based on median annual program costs reported to Main Street America by its Coordinating Partners. This number is not cumulative and represents investment and organization budgets from January 1, 2022, to December 312022.


2010 – 2021 Reinvestment Statistics

Dollars Reinvested* Buildings Rehabilitated Net Gain in Jobs Net Gain in Businesses Reinvestment Ratio** Programs Included

2021

$5.76 billion

10,595

30,402

6,601

$19.34:1

1,198

2020

$4.14 billion

8,488

14,988

4,356

$18.90:1

1,130

2019

$6.45 billion

10,412

32,316

6,466

$90.09:1

1,161

2018

$4.25 billion

8,146

25,301

5,310

$25.64:1

1,147

2017

$4.48 billion

8,737

30,294

6,211

$26.43:1

1,064

2016

$4.65 billion

8,042

27,462

5,616

$32.12:1

1,052

2015

$3.915 billion

8,173

28,403

5,966

$26.14:1

1,074

2014

$3.1 billion

8,294

28,340

5,548

$26.52:1

1,086

2013

$2.9 billion

7,343

26,778

5,298

$33.28:1

1,048

2012

$2.1 billion

7,254

24,700

4,732

$18.00:1

1,048

2011

$2.49 billion

7,389

11,926

5,453

$18.00:1

1,018

2010

$2.24 billion

5,332

18,990

5,332

$16.00:1

1,023


The above estimates are based on statistics gathered for each calendar year for all designated Main Street communities nationwide.

*Total reinvestment in physical improvements from public & private sources.

**The Reinvestment Ratio measures the amount of new investment that occurs, on average, for every dollar a participating community spends to support the operation of its Main Street program, based on median annual program costs reported to Main Street America by its Coordinating Partners. This number is not cumulative and represents investment and organization budgets for the calendar year.

Community members in Downtown Valley Junction in West Des Moines, Iowa celebrate Pride Month sitting in colorful chairs

Valley Junction — West Des Moines, Iowa © Historic Valley Junction

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Main Street America members are the lifeblood of the Main Street movement. Join this powerful network to gain access to valuable information and resources that make your job easier, and connect with peers in the commercial district revitalization field.

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