Coming Fall 2026
The next Community Transformation Workshop, one of Main Street America’s highest-rated and recommended educational offerings, will be held in Fall 2026. Sign up to receive updates about future workshops and learning opportunities.
2024 Community Transformation Workshop. Photo by KandE Productions
“I gained the confidence needed to steer my board away from saying ‘yes’ to everything and becoming a catch-all events organization. We must prioritize our goals and align our activities with our developed transformation strategies. By doing so, we will empower our district stakeholders to be part of the change, rather than simply implementing change for them.”
DETAILS
The Community Transformation Workshop provides revitalization professionals with advanced tools and strategies to address complex revitalization projects and initiatives. Learn more about this workshop by checking out the FAQs below.
About
The Community Transformation Workshop is an intensive and interactive two-day experience filled with educational sessions and exercises designed to provide participants with advanced tools and strategies to address complex revitalization projects and initiatives. The workshop includes instructional sessions led by experts in the field and hands-on assignments showcasing communities implementing strategic approaches to Main Street revitalization.
Come with examples of your downtown district’s greatest challenges, explore data-based solutions, and leave with best practices, practical tools, and real-world insights to develop sustainable strategies, plus your community’s latest market data—a $750 value!
Date, Location & Accomodations
When: Fall 2026
Where: TBA
Hotel & Travel: TBA
Registration, Rates & Availability
Rates: $800 Member | $1,000 Non-Member
Registration: Registration is expected to open Summer 2026. Subscribe to receive updates here >
Availability: Space is limited, and seats are filled on a first-come, first-served basis. To ensure a smooth reservation process and workshop experience, early registration is highly recommended. A waitlist will be available.
Member Discounts & Education Credit
Member Discounts: Main Street America members are eligible to receive a discount on this workshop.
Credit:
- Completion of the Community Transformation Workshop counts toward Main Street America’s tiered MSARP credential pathway. Stay tuned for the unveiling of our new learning model later this year! Get a sneak peek at the new MSARP credential pathway here >
- In addition, AICP members can earn Certification Maintenance (CM) credits for this activity. More information about AICP’s CM program can be found here >
Instructors, Learning Objectives & Agenda
Instructors: TBA
Learning Objectives:
- Explore Quantitative and Qualitative Insights: Analyze market data snapshots alongside community focus‑group feedback to uncover key trends, challenges, and opportunities for downtown transformation.
- Apply Structured Field Observation Techniques: Conduct on‑site explorations using defined observation lenses (e.g., business mix, physical conditions, customer experience) and synthesize findings into actionable insights.
- Generate and Justify Strategic Options: Generate transformation strategy options grounded in the combined data and observations, clearly articulating the rationale behind each option.
- Foster Collaborative Local Application: Adapt the community transformation process for participants’ home communities using custom data snapshot reports, ensuring collaboration, accountability, and clear next steps beyond the workshop.
Pre-Workshop Assignment: Participants are required to complete a pre-workshop assignment prior to arrival. The assignment is designed to provide participants with a foundational knowledge of the art of market analysis in preparation for workshop activities. We anticipate the assignment will take 3 – 4 hours to complete.
Who Should Participate
This workshop is designed for the full spectrum of community‑revitalization champions, including:
- Local Main Street leaders & downtown coordinators who steer day‑to‑day district initiatives
- Economic development directors & city planners responsible for shaping broader growth strategies
- Nonprofit & foundation leaders investing in place‑based partnerships and capacity‑building
- Municipal staff & elected officials charged with policy, funding, and public‑sector collaboration
- State‑level program managers & technical‑assistance providers supporting communities across regions
If you lead, plan, or advise on downtown revitalization — whether you’re in a local program or a statewide office — this workshop will equip you with the tools, field‑tested frameworks, and peer‑driven insights to accelerate positive change in your community.
Policies
Health, Safety & Participation: TBA
Cancellations & Refunds: Cancellations communicated more than 14 days in advance of the first course date will be refunded in full. Cancellations occurring less than 14 days in advance of the first course date will be offered a 50% refund. Please note there is a $25.00 processing fee for any cancelled registration. Once the course has begun, we are unfortunately unable to offer a refund. To cancel a registration, please email academy@mainstreet.org.
Contact
Questions? Contact us at academy@mainstreet.org.