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.
Did you hear? There was just a big election, and many new lawmakers and other elected officials are taking on new roles, which may include decisions on funding and policies that effect your work. Main Street programs regularly interact with decision-makers in councils, legislatures, and agencies cultivating strong, bi-partisan support for downtowns and commercial districts. Whether you are planning an advocacy effort in 2023 or want to lay the groundwork for continued support, right now is a critical time to educate newly elected officials - and remind those who have been in office for a while - about the impact of Main Street.
Not sure where to start? Here are some quick tips for connecting and communicating.
Do some quick research: set aside a few moments to make a list of elected officials and review newly elected officials biographies and campaign platforms to understand any alignment with Main Street goals.
Follow and share: Sign-up for elected officials' newsletters, follow social media accounts, and attend events or town hall discussions. Send an invitation to elected officials to receive your Main Street communications.
Make an Introduction: Find contact information for recently elected officials and reach out to establish your organization. See sample outreach letter below.
Meet and greet: If you're able, conduct a short phone call or coffee meeting to establish a relationship. Use this time to ensure your legislator understands your program’s priorities and the diverse funding and technical resources that support your work.
Most importantly, relationship building with elected officials should start today. Waiting until you need to request support for funding or a specific policy may prove challenging. These initial steps are a starting point for more touchpoints and connectivity to help elevate your message when you need it most.
Dear _____:
On behalf of (organization), I would like to congratulate you on your recent election and introduce you to the Main Street program in (community). Our mission is (insert mission). We accomplish this work in partnership with (coordinating program) through the Main Street Approach, a preservation-based economic development methodology. We are making a difference in our community. In 2021:
(ADD ANY OTHER LOCAL STATS)
I am attaching (most recent annual report OR one-pager about program). I would be grateful for the opportunity to brief you on our strategy for the revitalization of (Main Street district) and the resources that best support our work.
Please let me know if you are available for a brief call on (offer several dates/times). (Alternately, you may want to include an invitation to an upcoming event hosted by your program. If so, be sure to acknowledge the elected official if they attend.)
Sincerely,
(Your Name)
(Your Organization)
(Contact Phone Number)
Main Street America is monitoring several federal policy issues that may impact Main Streets, including the proposed federal budget, HTC-Go, and funding for State and Tribal Historic Preservation Offices.
The Historic Tax Credit Growth and Opportunity Act would open opportunities for Main Streets to access funding to rehabilitate historic buildings.
The Government Relations team is excited to release our new Policy Agenda outlining policy issues and recommendations at the local, state, and federal levels that impact Main Street communities.
