Board Spotlight: Local Stories from the Board of Directors
John Mitterholzer, Deshea Agee, Michael Wagler, Chris Wilson, and Mary Helmer Worth share stories from their time at the local level and how those experiences shape their perspectives today.
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.
2024 Community Transformation Workshop. Photo by KandE Productions
Are you ready to roll up your sleeves and dive into one of the Main Street America Academy’s most powerful immersive learning experiences? With the 2025 Community Transformation Workshop, now’s your chance! Registration for this top-rated learning experience is open.
The Community Transformation Workshop is an intensive and interactive two-day experience filled with educational sessions and exercises designed to provide you 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.
When: October 13 – 15, 2025
Where: Columbia and Hartsville, South Carolina
Price: $800 Members | $1,000 Non-members
Who Should Participate: Community‑revitalization champions, including local Main Street leaders, coordinating program staff, economic development and urban planning professionals, municipal staff, elected officials, and technical assistance providers.
What to Expect: 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!
Instructors: Aoife Harte, Jonathan Stone, and Jackie Swihart
Credit: Completion of this workshop counts toward Main Street America’s tiered credential pathway. Stay tuned for the unveiling of our new learning model later this year!
Travel Scholarships: A limited number of $500 travel scholarships are available to Main Street organizations. The application will close on Friday, September 19, or when all scholarships have been awarded. Learn more and apply >
Registration & Availability: Registration is open through September 29, or until capacity is reached. Space is limited and will be filled on a first-come, first-served basis. A waitlist is available, but early registration is strongly recommended. Register here >
Full Details: There’s more! Find the complete course description, learning objectives, agenda, hotel and travel details, workshop policies, and more here.