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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

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.

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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.

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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.

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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

The Main Street America Board of Directors is thrilled to announce the appointment of Erin Barnes as our next President and CEO. Erin was approved unanimously by the board and will begin her tenure on September 18. Her appointment comes after an extensive search process led by staff and a board-led transition task force with guidance from Koya Partners, a leading executive search firm.

“After months of vetting, interviews, and deliberation, we are delighted that we identified such a strong and dynamic leader to serve Main Street America in its next phase as an organization and movement,” said Darryl Young, MSA Board Chair. “Erin has a proven track record of mobilizing change-makers and driving meaningful impact in communities across the country over the course of her career.”

Erin Barnes

Most recently Erin served as co-founder and CEO of ioby, an online civic crowdfunding platform that focuses on connecting local leaders with support and funding to make their neighborhoods better places to live. During her 15 years there, Erin helped to raise nearly $20 million for over 3,500 projects across the nation ranging from public art installations to civic infrastructure improvements.

"I'm honored to join this fantastic organization and carry on the excellent foundations built by outgoing President and CEO Patrice Frey and Interim President and CEO Hannah White,” said Barnes. “And I'm so looking forward to learning about America's Main Streets by getting to know the people that support these critical civic and cultural places."

In 2018, Erin was named an inaugural Obama Foundation Fellow for ioby’s contribution to civic innovation. In 2012, the Rockefeller Foundation awarded Erin and her co-founders at ioby the Jane Jacobs Medal for New Technology and Innovation. Prior to her time at ioby, Erin was an environmental writer with a background in water management and a community organizer. Erin holds a B.A. in English and American Studies from the University of Virginia and a Master of Environmental Management from Yale University.

“Aside from her many accomplishments, Erin's entrepreneurial mindset, demonstrated ability to collaborate with a diverse set of stakeholders, and commitment to advancing racial equity and inclusion, make her ideally suited to lead the next chapter of Main Street America,” said Young. “Please join me in giving her a warm welcome when she starts in September.”

The Board would like to express sincere gratitude to Hannah White, MSA’s Interim President and CEO, who led the organization through this time of transition over the past year. Hannah will be continuing in a leadership role at Main Street America, working closely alongside Erin.