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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
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
A large group of people stand shoulder to shoulder, posing for a group photo in the plaza of a park. Behind them, green grass and evergreen trees provide a lush background.

2023 Community Transformation Workshop participants in Vancouver, Washington. © Alicia Gallo

Interactive Learning

The Main Street America Institute (MSAI) is the preeminent provider of professional development and network-building opportunities for downtown and commercial district leaders. 

The professional field of downtown and commercial district management requires a very distinct set of skills and expertise. Today’s professionals must be subject matter experts, with skills and knowledge directly relevant to the multitude of challenges confronting 21st century commercial districts. They must also be outstanding leaders, with the ability to engage their community, build consensus among diverse stakeholders, and manage complex revitalization projects.

Offerings

From virtual courses to in-person workshops, MSAI supports professionals in realizing these roles through a comprehensive set of learning opportunities that provide the tools and strategies needed to lead results-oriented revitalization efforts.

FAQs

Explore the sections below to learn more about how you can take your skills to the next level with MSAI.

Who Should Participate

Main Street America Institute programming is open to all who are interested in gaining a deeper understanding of preservation-based community transformation and leadership development. 

Certificates, Credentials & Credit

The continuing evolution of the profession, driven by ever-changing micro and macroeconomic forces, requires a professional development program that is adaptive and flexible. MSAI offers two distinct certificate programs — Community Transformation and Leadership Development — culminating in the Main Street America Revitalization Professional (MSARP) credential.*

Main Street America Revitalization Professionals: Main Street America Institute participants may receive credit for participating in upcoming workshops and on-demand courses.*

American Institute of Certified Planners: AICP members can earn Certification Maintenance (CM) credits for many MSAI activities. More information about AICP’s CM program can be found here.

Requirements

There are no pre-requisites and no required order of coursework. For professionals seeking to achieve the MSARP credential*, we offer the following two-year path as a suggestion in working towards this goal:

Year One: Advanced Principles courses and Leadership Development Workshop

Year Two: Topics Courses, Community Transformation Workshop, and Final Exam

Pricing

MSAI offers a convenient and affordable framework for participants, with significant cost savings for Main Street America members. Learn more about membership here. Some Main Street programs may also be eligible for a discount through their Coordinating Program.

Pricing for Individual Courses and Workshops  

  • Online Course: $275 Member | $350 Non-Member
  • Leadership Development Workshop: $450 Member | $600 Non-Member
  • Community Transformation Workshop: $800 Member | $1,000 Non-Member


Total Cost for Certificates and MSARP

  • Leadership Development Certificate: $1,000 Member | $1,300 Non-Member
  • Community Transformation Certificate: $3,000 Member | $3,800 Non-Member
  • MSARP Credential: $4,100 Member | $5,250 Non-Member


Participants may register and pay for each course individually. For more information on payment plans and options, please contact msai@​mainstreet.​org.

*Important Update About MSAI

MSAI is currently undergoing an intensive program assessment to ensure our curriculum meets the needs of our network and provides content that is reflective of everyone we serve. Therefore, our required coursework and credential offerings are evolving. Please take note of important information provided in workshop and course descriptions.

More Information

Whether you are participating in a single course or planning to complete the MSARP credential, we’re here to assist you. Email us at msai@​mainstreet.​org with questions.

Latest Main Street America Institute News

Aerial view of the Vulcan Statue with the city of Birmingham skyline in the background.

Vulcan Statue © Art Meripol

Main Street Now 2024

Birmingham, Alabama

Join fellow commercial district revitalization leaders from across the country for three days of insightful education sessions, unique special events, immersive mobile workshops, and memorable experiences.

Register Now!