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.
“Good transportation systems connect people to the jobs, education, and community supports that enable them to prosper and advance economically.”
District leaders know restoring and supporting our districts’ economic vitality requires years of work and a deep understanding of the many factors that play a role in the overall success of the district. Since transportation design in commercial districts provides a crucial foundation to these efforts — affecting foot traffic, what businesses can and cannot do, flows of private and public investment, property values, and tourism — Main Street leaders should support the most efficient use of their transportation systems as part of achieving sustainable economic vitality.
The key is to create and support people-oriented streets that mitigate suboptimal development patterns and the need for expensive infrastructure, increase walkability, and encourage investment and entrepreneurship, all with the goal of a harmonious, safe, and cost-effective balance of people’s and vehicular needs.
Car-oriented roadways and streetscapes can create negative costs:
People-focused Main Streets reap more economic benefits:
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Based on Main Street America's experience with the Thriving Communities Program, this toolkit provides actionable guidance and resources to help communities succeed with ambitious and impactful transportation projects.
Learn how you can use transportation infrastructure as a tool for community transformation.
Hear real-world insights and stories from Main Street leaders who have faced crises and discover how collective action can protect and preserve our shared spaces on Main Street.
This publication is designed to help Main Streets and commercial district organizations better prepare for and respond to more frequent and severe disasters.
Marion, IA © Uptown Marion
This webinar will help you focus on the area where shared human experiences are most felt and learn small interventions to unlock the energy of the First 16 Feet in your district.
Nature-Based Placemaking uses a community's outdoor recreational assets as a foundation for community transformation.
Franklin, Louisiana © Franklin Main Street
Welcome to the inaugural edition of State of Main, the annual publication of Main Street America featuring thought leadership from across the network.
Use this resource to guide your efforts to established or re-draw the boundaries of your downtown or neighborhood commercial district. Published by Texas Main Street Program.
This study, from the Preservation Green Lab at the National Trust for Historic Preservation, demonstrates the unique and valuable role that older, smaller buildings play in the development of sustainable cities.
Evaluate the safety and usability of bike networks in your Main Street commercial district. Published by AARP.
This guide from Virginia Main Street explores the importance of wayfinding, the components of a custom wayfinding plan, design considerations, and implementation.
Sterling, Illinois. © Sterling Main Street
Watch this webinar to learn how you can create welcoming and comfortable third spaces and gathering places outdoors during winter cold months.
Construction can be very disruptive for downtown businesses. Use this sample mitigation plan to help you develop your own strategy to assist your downtown businesses during a construction project. Published by Cumberland Main Street.
This guide from Main Street Alabama explores how design relates to urban planning, construction, storefronts, existing assets, public space, art, and building codes.
In this AARP guide, learn how open streets projects and other design elements can improve downtown design and create vibrant and sustainable communities.
In this AARP guide, learn how public amenities can help build richer, more connected, and more sustainable communities.
In this AARP guide, learn how small parklets and pedlets can provide vibrant gathering spaces and improve sense of place in your downtown.
In this AARP guide, learn how access to trails and parks can enhance downtown commercial district revitalization efforts.
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.
Guidance on how to evaluate streets, balance transportation needs, and build partnerships with other leaders.
Learn how placemaking principles can be utilized as an implementation strategy of local Main Street efforts to empower community members and create more action-oriented programs
Metuchen, NJ © Lauren Beischer
A look at the connection between the wellbeing of residents and the vitality of communities and explore the wide range of design elements and tools available that will lead to more active, accessible and connected Main Streets. Published in State of Main.
Use these accessibility standards to guide you as you make accessibility upgrades in your community. Published by US Access Board.
Chicago, Illinois © Max Bender
Effective stormwater management is an important element of many streetscaping plans to reduce pollution of your drinking water and other community benefits. Published in Main Street Now Journal.
Learn about Iowa’s exciting sustainability initiative and the ways two small towns are becoming more green. Published in Main Street Now Journal.
