Main Spotlight: Sustaining Philadelphia from the Past to the Future

Learn how Philadelphia celebrates its rich historical legacy and built environment to create a more sustainable future.

Just Two Weeks Left to Register in Advance for the 2025 Main Street Now Conference

This year's conference is packed with everything local leaders need to take their downtown district stewardship efforts to the next level. Register by Monday, March 31 to lock in the regular rate.

Find Real World Experiences and Innovative Solutions at Main Street Now 2025

Our featured speakers lineup includes local leaders and industry experts sharing first-hand insights about creating a sustainable movement where everyone can fully participate and thrive.

Announcing the Science Discovery on Main Street Grant Recipients

Main Street America is thrilled to announce the 12 Science Discovery on Main Street grant program recipients.

Four Reasons Why Main Street Now 2025 is a Must-Attend for Civic Leaders

If you are a civic leader passionate about strengthening your community's downtown district, then you must check out the 2025 Main Street Now Conference in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, April 7-9. Check out these four reasons why.

Main Spotlight: Connect, Learn & Celebrate – Preview the 2025 Main Street Now Conference Schedule

Rooted in foundational topics and inspired by feedback from the Main Street network, this year’s schedule is bursting with opportunities to connect, learn, and celebrate. Check it out!

Don’t Miss Out: Our Biggest Savings for Main Street Now 2025 Ends February 4!

The Early Bird rate for the 2025 Main Street Now Conference expires on Tuesday, February 4. Act now to save up to $310 on registration to our movement's can't-miss event of the year!

Act Fast: Main Street Now 2025 Mobile Workshops are Selling Out

The Main Street Now 2025 mobile workshops offer something for everyone! Some have already sold out, but opportunities to enhance your conference experience and bring time-tested techniques and creative solutions back to your community abound with these great excursions.

Your Input Is Needed: Take the 2025 Main Street Directors Survey

We invite all local Main Street program directors, managers, and executive leaders to take our 2025 Main Street Directors Survey. Make your voice heard, gain valuable insights, and help shape the future of Main Street. Take the survey by February 6.

Jimmy Carter: Remembering a Main Street Champion

Learn about the early federal advocacy that advanced the Main Street Approach from a pilot program to a national initiative.

Start Your New Year Strong: Register for Main Street Now 2025!

Have New Year's resolutions? Meet all your professional development goals and find the tools to achieve your organization's plans for the year ahead at the 2025 Main Street Now Conference!

Staff Spotlight: Learning from the 2024 Community Transformation Workshop in Iowa

Associate Research Analyst Aoife Harte shares her experience attending the 2024 Community Transformation Workshop.

Big News: Registration Now Open for Main Street Now 2025!

Join your peers from across the Main Street network and experts in commercial district stewardship for three days of connection, learning, and celebration in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, April 7-9. Get a jump start on your registration and hotel reservations today!

Program Spotlight: 25 Years of the Maine Downtown Center

Join us in celebrating the amazing achievements of the Maine Downtown Center!

Board Spotlight: Meet Main Street America’s Three New Board Members

We are excited to welcome Lynda Tran, Tyrone Rachal, and Mary Helmer Wirth to the Main Street America Board of Directors

Main Spotlight: How to Successfully Navigate the Transformation Strategy Process

Once you have you have your new transformation strategy, how do you put it into action? Learn how to adjust your work plans, align your budget, and get buy-in for a successful transformation strategy.

Building Brand and Community with Mallory Dabney, Heyday

Join host Matt Wagner for his conversation with Mallory Dabney, owner of Heyday, a home goods store in Bozeman, Montana.

Gen Z Entrepreneurship with Patrick Jackowski and Matt Horne, Firehouse Coffee 1881

Join host Matt Wagner for his conversation with Patrick Jackowski and Matt Horne, the duo behind Firehouse Coffee 1881, a thriving coffee shop housed in a firehouse in historic Fort Monroe, a decommissioned military compound located in Hampton, Virginia.

Staff Spotlight: Lessons on Strengthening Communities from Next City Vanguard

Senior Program Officer Lisa Mullins Thompson shares her experiences attending the 2024 Next City Vanguard Conference.

2024 Trend Forecast: Get Your Business Holiday-Ready

In this episode, Matt reveals the data-driven trends that will define the 2024 holiday shopping season—and shows you exactly how to leverage them for your small business.

Now Accepting Nominations: 2025 Mary Means Leadership Award

Join us in celebrating the incredible accomplishments of exceptional leaders shaping the Main Street Movement by nominating your organization’s stellar director, board member, or volunteer for the prestigious Mary Means Leadership Award. The nomination portal is open through Friday, December 6.

Save the Date: 2025 Main Street Now Conference

Mark your calendar for the 2025 Main Street Now Conference in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, from April 7-9! Join your peers from across the Main Street network and experts in commercial district stewardship for insightful education sessions, unique special events, immersive mobile workshops, and incredible experiences.

BFFs to Business Partners with Kaycee McCoy, Pawsnickety Pets

Join host Matt Wagner as he welcomes Kaycee McCoy, co-owner and creative lead at Pawsnickety Pets in Norfolks, Virginia. Kaycee and her best friend, Shizuka Benton, launched the all-natural and organic pet supply business in Norfolk at the start of the pandemic, but have used their combined talents to keep the business growing and thriving over the last four years.

Retail Marketing Strategies from Main Street South Australia’s David West

Join host Matt Wagner as he welcomes David West, director of Premier Retail Marketing and based in Adelaide, South Australia.

Main Spotlight: Announcing the 2025 Great American Main Street Award Semifinalists

Meet the 2025 Great American Main Street Award Semifinalists! This year’s semifinalists demonstrate exceptional achievements in reenergizing their downtowns through inclusive, collaborative organizing and innovative economic development, arts and culture, and historic preservation initiatives.

Main Spotlight: An Equitable Approach to Transformation Strategy Implementation

It is important to make sure that the growth of your community does not result in displacement or marginalization. Putting equity at the core of your transformation strategy helps you work towards measures of success that benefit everyone.

Last Chance: Secure Your Spot at the 2024 Community Transformation Workshop

Due to unprecedented demand, we've added an additional 5 spots and a waitlist for our Community Transformation Workshop in Iowa. Register today to take advantage of this opportunity to invest in your ability to develop solutions for your downtown and create transformation strategies that work.

Staff Spotlight: Exploring Main Street Archetypes with Research Intern Jonathan Nerenberg

This summer, our archetypes intern explored different types of Main Streets and the unique challenges and opportunities that they face.

Almost Sold Out: 2024 Community Transformation Workshop

There are only a few spaces still available for this intensive high impact, hands-on learning experience for place professionals. Register today and join us in Des Moines & Nevada, Iowa, from October 15-16, to gain tools to develop real world solutions for your downtown district. Registration closes September 27, or once capacity is reached.

Community Spotlight: How LaCrosse Community Pride Makes a Big Difference for Their Small Town

LaCrosse Community Pride shares how they use the Main Street Approach to make a significant impact in a town of less than 300 people.

Staff Spotlight: Using the Arts to Foster Community Change

Art is a powerful tool for community change. Learn how the arts can improve community engagement, boost economic development, and connect with the Main Street Approach.

Last Chance to Apply for the 2025 Great American Main Street Award

The deadline to nominate your community for the Main Street Movement's most prestigious award is Friday, July 26–just a few days away. Now is the time to put finishing touches on your application!

Registration Open: Boost Your Ability to Lead Catalytic Projects at our 2024 Community Transformation Workshop

Join us in Des Moines & Nevada, Iowa, from October 15-16, for this intensive high impact, hands-on learning experience for place professionals and boost your ability to lead catalytic projects in your community. Space is limited! Registration closes September 27, or once capacity is reached.

Don’t Miss Your Chance to Apply for the 2025 Great American Main Street Award

With just two weeks until applications are due, now is the time to gather images, edit responses, and rewatch the informational webinar. Seize this moment to apply for the Main Street Movement’s greatest honor! The application portal is open through Friday, July 26.

Main Spotlight: Catching up with the 2024 Great American Main Street Award Winners

Learn how the 2024 GAMSA winners celebrated this exciting achievement and the impact that the Great American Main Street Award has had on their work and their communities.

Starting this Week: Summer School Webinar Series

Join us for a three-part webinar series revisiting some of the most popular sessions from the 2024 Main Street Now Conference. Experts from across the network will share their knowledge and practical information on a range of perennial Main Street topics.

The Main Street America Institute: What’s Next?

Last year, we announced upcoming changes to the Main Street America Institute. We are excited to provide an update on those changes and a sneak peek at what you can expect in the future.

Register Today: Summer School Webinar Series

Join us for free webinars revisiting some of the most popular sessions from the 2024 Main Street Now Conference. Experts from across the network will share their knowledge and practical information on a range of perennial Main Street topics.

Save the Date: 2024 Community Transformation Workshop in Iowa

Registration for this high impact, hands-on learning experience for place professionals interested in gaining tools, skills, and techniques necessary to address complex revitalization initiatives will open in July. Read to learn more and add the 2024 Community Transformation Workshop in Des Moines & Nevada, Iowa, to your calendar.

Now Accepting Applications: 2025 Great American Main Street Award

Has your Main Street program made significant strides in realizing your community’s vision for its downtown? Do your projects and programs serve as models for comprehensive, preservation-based commercial district revitalization? If this sounds like you, then you could be a candidate for the 2025 Great American Main Street Award! The application portal is open through Friday, July 26.

Program Spotlight: Understanding Transformation Strategy Visits with Indiana Main Street

Jackie Swihart spoke with Abby Huff at Indiana Main Street about their recent experience utilizing Main Street America's transformation strategies workshops.

Congratulations to the 2024 MSARP Recipients!

The MSARP credential is the highest level of achievement offered through the Main Street America Institute, requiring dedication to completing a rigorous curriculum. Join us in celebrating eight Main Street leaders who have most recently achieved this prestigious credential!

On the Magic of Main Street Now 2024 and Five Aspirations for the Movement

Erin Barnes shares her reflections from the 2024 Main Street Now Conference in Birmingham, Alabama.

Main Spotlight: Announcing the 2024 Great American Main Street Award Winners

Main Street America is proud to recognize NewTown Macon, Madison Main Street Program, and Monroeville Main Street as 2024 Great American Main Street Award winners. All three organizations serve as exemplary models for reenergizing downtown districts through collective action that fosters vibrant downtowns through grassroots economic development, preservation with a purpose, and creative problem solving

Become Enchanted With The Magic City

Main Street Alabama is thrilled to welcome Main Streeters to Birmingham for Main Street Now 2024. As you build out your personal agenda, make sure to also make time to explore our amazing host city. Check out this roundup of some local favorites for you to explore between conference sessions, activities, and celebrations.

Main Spotlight: Announcing the 2024 Main Street America Designated Communities and Collective Impact of Local Programs in 2023

We are proud to announce that 1,188 programs have achieved designations as Main Street America programs in recognition of their commitment to preservation-based economic development and community revitalization through the Main Street Approach™, and that local programs generated $5.68 billion in local reinvestment in 2023.

Closing Friday: Pre-Registration for Main Street Now 2024

In just two weeks local leaders will convene in Birmingham, Alabama, for the 2024 Main Street Now Conference from May 6-8. Online registration at the regular rate ends on Friday, April 26. Act now to secure your spot and keep reading to get the latest recommendations for an unforgettable experience.

Main Spotlight: Restoration and Resurgence in the Historic 4^th Avenue Black Business District

Urban Impact Inc., harnesses strategic investments and collaborative efforts to foster a vibrant and sustainable future, from visionary adaptive reuse ventures to transformative development grants for small businesses and property owners in Birmingham, Alabama's historic 4th Avenue Black Business District.

Two Weeks Left to Register for Main Street Now 2024

Online registration and the regular rate are available through Friday, April 26. Download the conference mobile app, sign-up for the attendee webinar, grab some Shop Main Street merch, get recommendations, and more!

One Month Away: Main Street Now 2024!

With just a little over a month to go until we convene in Birmingham, Alabama, for the 2024 Main Street Now Conference from May 6-8, we are excited to announce that the full schedule is available online and the mobile app is ready for download.

Main Spotlight: Insights From the 2024 Trends Survey

From budgets and staffing to programming priorities and the myriad of backgrounds that bring people to Main Street, the insights and key findings from this year's trends survey provide a snapshot of the state of the Main Street Movement.

Main Spotlight: Fostering Connection in BHAM by Creating Third Spaces in Downtown Birmingham and Woodlawn 

REV Birmingham and Woodlawn United share how they work to reenergize spaces and places in Birmingham, Alabama, through civic infrastructure projects in the city’s historic commercial corridors.

Civic Leaders: Don’t Miss Main Street Now 2024

With a specially priced registration rate of $199, tailored education track, free lunch & learn session, and abundant networking opportunities, Main Street Now 2024 is made for civic leaders passionate about community preservation and economic development in historic downtowns and neighborhood commercial corridors.

Ending March 11: Early Bird Rates for Main Street Now 2024

Register by March 11 to lock in big savings with the early bird rate!

Almost Sold Out: 2024 Leadership Development Workshop

Join us in Birmingham, Alabama, May 4-5, 2024, for one of Main Street America Institute’s highest rated and recommended workshops!

Ultimate Immersive Learning Experiences: A Roundup of Main Street Now 2024 Mobile Workshops

Opportunities to experience time-tested Main Street Approach techniques and creative solutions in action abound in Birmingham with these great excursions.

Friendly Reminder: Take the 2024 Main Street Trends Survey

Last chance to make your voice heard with Main Street America's 2024 Main Street Trends Survey!

Announcing the GM on Main Street Grant Recipients

Meet the recipients of the 2024 round of GM on Main Street grants.

Just Added: Can’t Miss Main Street Now 2024 Experiences

Check out these new experiences at the 2024 Main Street Now Conference in Birmingham, Alabama.

Register Now: 2024 Leadership Development Workshop in Birmingham, Alabama

Join us in Birmingham, Alabama, May 4-5, 2024, for one of Main Street America Institute’s highest rated and recommended workshops!

Board Spotlight: Erin Barnes Chats with Board Chair Jess Zimbabwe

Meet Main Street America's new Board Chair, Jess Zimbabwe.

Take the 2024 Main Street Trends Survey!

Contribute your perspective to our annual survey of the Main Street Movement.

Meeting in The Magic City: A Preview of the 2024 Main Street Now Conference Sessions

Check out some of the highlights of the many sessions that will be offered at the 2024 Main Street Now Conference.

Registration is Open for Main Street Now 2024!

Join us in Birmingham, Alabama, on May 6-9 for the 2024 Main Street Now Conference!

Last Chance to Nominate: 2024 Mary Means Leadership Award

Recognize the exceptional Main Street leader in your community with this prestigious award.

Main Spotlight: Top 7 Blogs of 2023

From housing to small business and more, read the best blogs we shares in 2023!

Important Update About the Main Street America Institute

Starting in early 2024, we will engage in an intensive program assessment of MSAI. We look forward to bringing an enhanced Main Street professional development experience to the network later in the year.

T‑Mobile Funds 250 Communities Nationwide with $11 Million in Hometown Grants

Meet the communities who received a T-Mobile Hometown Grant to support community-driven placemaking initiatives.

Call for Nominations: 2024 Mary Means Leadership Award

Recognize an exception leader in your community with this prestigious Main Street award.

Save the Date for Main Street Now 2024 in Birmingham, Alabama

Get ready for three days of education sessions, special events, mobile workshops, and opportunities to explore "The Magic City."

Now Accepting Nominations: 2024 Mary Means Leadership Award

Recognize an exceptional leader in your community with this prestigious Main Street award!

Main Spotlight: Getting to Know Erin Barnes, Main Street America President and CEO

We spoke with Erin Barnes to learn more about her passions and interests and explore her plans for the Movement.

Main Spotlight: Investigating Transformation Strategies in Stevenson and Vancouver, Washington

Main Streeters gathered for the Community Transformation Workshop to explore strategies to advance their work.

Main Street Leadership Council Spotlight: Welcoming New Officers and Members, Thanking Outgoing Leaders

Meet the new officers and new members, and give thanks to the outgoing members on Main Street America's leadership council.

Main Spotlight: Celebrating 20 Years of Michigan Main Street

Founded in 2003 and currently housed within the Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC), Michigan Main Street (MMS) recently celebrated 20 years of impact across 41 communities.

Last Chance: Main Street Now 2024 Call for Proposals

Don't miss your chance to submit a proposal for a session at the 2024 Main Street Now conference!

T‑Mobile Hometown Grants Spark Positive Change in 25 New Communities

Meet the latest recipients of this community development grant program.

Letter from Erin Barnes, President and CEO, Main Street America

Erin Barnes shares her neighborhood and invites other Main Streeters to share theirs.

Announcing the 2024 Great American Main Street Award Semifinalists

Congratulations to these exceptional Main Street programs!

Deadline Extended: 2024 Main Street Now Conference Call for Proposals

Don't miss your chance to submit a proposal for the 2024 Main Street Now conference!

Due Soon: 2024 Main Street Now Conference Session Proposals

Don't miss your chance to share your expertise with attendees in Birmingham, Alabama!

Community Spotlight: Downtown Wytheville Meets Downtown Florence

Leaders from a Virginia Main Street program traveled to South Carolina to learn from another award-winning community.

Registration Now Open: Supporting Small Businesses on Main Street Online Course

This three-week live, online course will prepare local leaders to more effectively work with small business owners in their districts and create an environment that is supportive of entrepreneurship.

Last Chance: Register for 2023 Community Transformation Workshop Today!

Don't miss your opportunity to participate in this exciting educational opportunity!

Announcing Erin Barnes as Our Next President and CEO

We are excited to announce that Erin Barnes has been chosen as our next President and CEO. Learn more about her career.

Recordings Now Available: Summer School Webinar Series

The recordings of our Summer School Webinar Series are now available in the Knowledge Hub!

Last Chance to Apply for the 2024 Great American Main Street Award

Don't miss your opportunity to showcase your community's achievements!

Main Spotlight: Beat the Heat This Summer Using Downtown Design

Learn how you can harness design principles and strategies to create a cooler, more welcoming downtown.

Starting Next Week: Summer School Webinar Series

Join us for a three-part webinar series revisiting some of the most popular sessions from the 2023 Main Street Now Conference

One Month Left to Apply for the 2024 Great American Main Street Award

Don't miss your opportunity to showcase your community's achievements!

Join us: Summer School Webinar Series Revisiting Top Conference Topics

Join us for a three-part webinar series revisiting some of the most popular sessions from the 2023 Main Street Now Conference

T‑Mobile Hometown Grant Program Reaches 200 Winners

Meet the newest recipients of the T-Mobile Hometown Grants, reaching a milestone of 200 towns impacted by the program.

Now Accepting Applications: 2024 Great American Main Street Award

Nominate your community for this prestigious award recognizing excellence in commercial district revitalization.

Small Town Spark: Exhibitions Celebrating Innovation in Rural Towns Uplift the Main Street Movement

We are excited to share a recent collaboration with Spark! Places of Innovation, a traveling exhibition curated by the Smithsonian Institution’s Museum on Main Street program.

Get a Sneak Peek at the 2023 Community Transformation Workshop

Learn how to tackle complex revitalization scenarios with our Community Transformation Workshop, October 2-3 in Vancouver, WA.

Register Today: 2024 Great American Main Street Award Application Webinar

Thinking about applying for the 2024 Great American Main Street Award? Tune in to the application webinar on June 21!

Board Spotlight: Welcoming Jenice Contreras to the Main Street America Board of Directors

We are excited to welcome Jenice Contreras to the Main Street America Board of Directors. Jenice has a long record of leadership across community and economic development with deep experience with equitable growth, small-scale development, and cultural preservation.

Registration Now Open: 2023 Community Transformation Workshop in Vancouver, Washington

Join Main Street America experts in Vancouver, Wash., to gain first-hand experience in harnessing transformation strategies to successfully revitalize your Main Street!

Main Spotlight: Announcing the 2023 Main Street America Designated Communities and Reinvestment Impact of Local Programs in 2022

We are excited to announce that 862 Main Street programs across the country have earned Accredited status, Main Street America’s top level of recognition.

Congratulations to the 2023 MSARP Recipients!

The MSARP credential is the highest level of achievement offered through the Main Street America Institute, requiring dedication to completing a rigorous curriculum of online courses, readings, assignments, workshops, and a challenging final exam.

Connecting and Gathering in a City of Main Streets at Main Street Now 2023

Over the course of three days, nearly 1900 Main Streeters from near and far gathered for dynamic educational sessions, immersive mobile workshops, and network-building activities.

Main Spotlight: Introducing Shop Main Street

Check out our new shop featuring clothing and apparel, accessories, home and office goods, and kids’ and baby items inspired by the Main Street Movement.

Just Announced: John Bry Named 2023 Mary Means Leadership Award Recipient

Main Street America is proud to recognize John Bry, Program Coordinator at Main Street Oakland County (MSOC) in Michigan, as the 2023 Mary Means Leadership Award recipient.

Main Spotlight: Announcing the 2023 Great American Main Street Award Winners

Meet the three communities who were honored with this prestigious award!

Top 50 (or so) Things To Do in Boston, by Bostonians

There is so much to see, learn, explore, taste, and enjoy across our neighborhood districts. Welcome to Boston!

Roslindale Village: 38 Years at the Vanguard of Building Resiliency and Reimagining Spaces

Explore the resiliency and future-focused mindset of Roslindale Village Main Street, one of the first urban Main Street Programs in the nation.

Peak Immersive Learning: A Snapshot of Mobile Workshops Main Street Now 2023

Preview a selection of the 12 unique mobile workshops on offer at Main Street Now 2023 in Boston, Massachusetts.

Main Spotlight: Introducing the Main Street Foundations Series

We’re excited to announce a new suite of resources designed for Main Street! The Main Street Foundations Series provides an overview of each Point through four comprehensive introductory videos, one-page guides, materials from our resource center, and more.

Main Spotlight: Top 7 Blog Posts of 2022

From the ongoing pivots needed to meet changing community needs to the timeless power of place, these are the most popular blog posts we published this year.

What Mary Means to Me

Todd Wolford, executive director of Downtown Wytheville Inc and recipient of the 2022 Mary Means Leadership Award, reflects on his Main Street career.

Main Spotlight: Reflections from the 2022 Community Transformation Workshop in Wyoming

Jackie Swihart, Program Officer for MSA, shares some key takeaways from the three-day event.

Main Spotlight: 30 Years of Dynamic Growth Across Illinois Main Street

Illinois Main Street's work over the last 30 years and the exciting projects they are planning in the future.

Main Spotlight: Farmers Markets as a Transformation Strategy for Main Streets

Learn how Main Streets from California to Florida have used Farmers Markets to transform their communities and achieve Main Street goals.

Farewell from Patrice Frey, President and CEO, Main Street America

Outgoing President and CEO Patrice Frey closes out her tenure at Main Street America and transitions into a new role.

Main Spotlight: Announcing the 2022 Main Street America Designated Communities and 2021 Reinvestment Statistics

Main Street America congratulates our 2022 designated communities and explores the impact of the Main Street Movement.

Main Spotlight: Reflections on the Evolution of Main Street

Mary Means, founder of the Main Street Movement, reflects on her experiences at Main Street Now 2022 and shares advice for local leaders.

Community Spotlight: Welcoming Parramore to Orlando Main Streets!

Meet Parramore, a historically African-American community in Orlando, Florida.

Community Spotlight: Women Leaders Series — Week Four

Each week this Women's History Month, Main Street America is spotlighting the stories of women leaders in local and coordinating Main Street programs.

Community Spotlight: Women Leaders Series — Week Three

Each week this Women's History Month, Main Street America is spotlighting the stories of women leaders in local and coordinating Main Street programs.

Community Spotlight: Women Leaders Series — Week Two

Each week this Women's History Month, Main Street America is spotlighting the stories of women leaders in local and coordinating Main Street programs.

Community Spotlight: Women Leaders Series — Week One

Each week this Women's History Month, Main Street America is spotlighting the stories of women leaders in local and coordinating Main Street programs.

INVEST South/​West Chicago Reaches Two-year Milestone

Main Street America's partners in Chicago celebrate two years of training and technical assistance in the city.

Main Spotlight: Better Community Planning & Economic Development Series with Ed McMahon

Leverage NC, a partnership between North Carolina Main Street and the North Carolina League of Municipalities, hosted a four-part webinar series titled Better Community Planning & Economic Development led by Ed McMahon, Chair Emeritus of Main Street America and a leading national authority on land use policy and economic development.

Community Spotlight: Main Street America’s Field Team Gets Back on the Road

After many zoom meetings, our road warriors are back visiting communities and providing technical assistance.

2020 Year in Review: A Letter to the Network

President and CEO Patrice Frey reflects on 2020 and the early events of 2021.

HartBeat of Main Street Grant Program: First Round Recipient Spotlights

These 67 recipients from across the country ranged from bakeries and boutiques to salons and museums, but they all shared a commitment to the program's goals of responding and adapting to the COVID-19 pandemic and helping to revitalize and strengthen older and historic downtown commercial districts.

New Research from Brookings and the National Main Street Center on the Value of Main Street Organizations

The Brookings Bass Center for Transformative Placemaking released a new series of research briefs focused on the role that place governance organizations, like Main Street programs, play in revitalizing rural downtowns and promoting equitable rural economic and community development.

Congratulations to the 2020 MSARP Recipients!

Meet the latest graduates of our certificate program for leaders in commercial district revitalization.

Main Spotlight: Developing a Toolbox to Help Manage Growth on Main Street

Georgetown has developed a strong Downtown Master Plan that helps serve as a guide-point for planning efforts in downtown

Announcing the 2020 Mary Means Leadership Award Recipient

Meet Sharon Jablonski, the Director of Morganton Main Street in Morganton, North Carolina, and the first recipient of the Mary Means Leadership Award.

Announcing the 2020 Great American Main Street Award Winners

Congratulations to these Main Street programs for their fantastic work!

Main Spotlight: New Tool for Understanding Demographics of Main Street Communities

Community Spotlight: Missouri Main Street Connection Leads the Iowa Community Expedition

Missouri Main Street Connection (MMSC) had the opportunity to take Missouri Executive Directors and other community representatives on the Iowa Community Expedition

District Spotlight: Pontiac, Michigan

In response, UrbanMain and Main Street Oakland County joined forces in March 2018 to assist Pontiac stakeholders in putting their downtown organization back on a positive track, making Pontiac the first community in Michigan to participate in the UrbanMain initiative.

2018 Partners in Preservation: Main Streets Winning Sites

American Express, the National Trust for Historic Preservation and Main Street America announced the winners of the 2018 Partners in Preservation: Main Streets campaign.

2018 Community Transformation Workshop Recap

An essential component of the Main Street America Institute, the three-day in-person workshop gives participants hands-on tools to enact revitalization projects in their communities.

A Statewide Movement Improving West Virginia Main Streets

Since 2013, Try This West Virginia has sought to improve health environments in local communities as a collaboration of organizations working together to combat the health challenges facing West Virginians.

Community Spotlight: Main Street Hampton

Main Street Hampton hosted a Food and Friends Farm-to-Table dinner at the Rustic Brew during Main Street Iowa Restaurant Week.

Community Spotlight: Partners in Preservation 2018

From community gathering spaces to retail incubators, from small towns to big cities – this year’s projects and communities are a testament to the diversity of Main Streets across the country.

Community Spotlight: Ames, Iowa

Downtown Ames hosted a festival for the 46th annual RAGBRAI race (The Register's Annual Great Bike Ride Across Iowa).

7 Ways To Bring Your Main Street On Screen

You don’t need to be a big-name district to make a video that goes viral; you just need to know what you’re doing.

Comcast Newsmakers: Revitalizing Downtown

Matt Wagner, National Main Street Center's Vice President of Revitalization Programs, discusses competitive advantages, incrementalism and the power of the Main Street America network

Community Spotlight: Main Street Homer, Louisiana

Main Street Homer (Homer, Louisiana) was awarded a $25,000 A Community Thrives social impact grant from Gannett/USA Today Network to create an arts center with affordable artist studios and classroom/event space.

Evolution, Acceptance, and Change: The Main Street Approach as a Catalyst for Revitalization

Nearly slated for demolition 30 years ago, downtown Cedar Falls has experienced an amazing transformation through its revitalization journey using the Main Street Approach.

Main Street Roots Run Deep in Downtown Wytheville

Since starting as Executive Director, Todd has helped the organization achieve Virginia Main Street Designation Status and national Accreditation.

Announcing the 2018 Great American Main Street Award Winners

The National Main Street Center, Inc., announced Downtown Oregon City, Rock Springs Main Street/Urban Renewal Agency, and Howell Main Street as the 2018 Great American Main Street Award (GAMSA) winners during its annual conference in Kansas City, Missouri.

Main Streets in Action

We rolled out four new Main Street America videos highlighting the power of the Main Street movement, Main Street Approach, economic impact of Main Street, and the incredible volunteers that make Main Street's grassroots network so effective.

Community Spotlight: Ridgefield Main Street

Ridgefield Main Street is an energetic, up-and-coming Washington Main Street program located just north of Vancouver, Washington.

Want to do something big? Start small.

A series of small, incremental improvements, when taken together, provide momentum for long-term economic transformation and improved quality of life in a community.

Michigan Main Street Refresh Implementation: The Refresh from Our Communities’ Perspective

Here's a bit of background on each of the communities. Read on for the Refresh Implementation Q&A.

Announcing the 2017 Great American Main Street Award Winners

The National Main Street Center, Inc. announced the 2017 Great American Main Street Award (GAMSA) during its annual conference in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.

The Reality of Main Street — Letter from the President

The National Main Street Center and the Brookings Institution have jointly authored a response to Mr. Hyman’s piece, The Reality of Main Street, that is featured on Brookings’ blog.

Michigan Main Street Refresh Implementation: Our Process and Lessons Learned So Far

Michigan Main Street Center was the first Coordinating Program to implement the new Main Street approach on a large scale. In this article, they share their robust process and valuable lessons.

The Reality of Main Street

There is another way for smaller communities to compete in today’s economy and we believe a strong main street strategy is at the heart of it.

The Myth of Main Street? Letter from the President

Letter from past MSA President, Patrice Frey

The Lowdown in Downtown LaBelle

Fritz the dog has made his way into the hearts of the residents of LaBelle, Florida, and helped our Main Street Community find a way to make what we do more noticeable.

Strategic Planning Through Transformation Strategies – Saline, Michigan

Back in October 2015, we introduced the three key components of the refreshed Main Street Approach: inputs, outputs and Community Transformation Strategies.

Revitalization and Main Street Transformation

For a lucky few downtowns, greatness may happen effortlessly with a strong sense of place that seems to develop organically and simply sustain itself. For most places, success doesn’t happen by chance.

Revisit Your Community’s Unique Assets: Connecting Asset-Based Economic Development to Community Transformation Strategies

This need for change results from the heavy emphasis on three components of the refreshed Main Street Approach.

The 2016 Great American Main Street Award Winners

The 2016 winners are a diverse group in geography and character, but together demonstrate the broad applicability of the Main Street Approach:

Main Street Nation Radio

The first official show under the Main Street Nation banner aired in June 2015 on WJR-760 AM Detroit.

The Path To The Future

The economic value of historic preservation on Main Street.

Refresh Demonstration Project Sites: Learning Labs for the Updated Main Street Approach

A series of demonstration projects providing the opportunity to test new strategies on the ground, learn from practitioners, and refine the approach.

Why Business Retention and Expansion Plans are Important for Downtowns

A business retention and expansion plan, properly implemented, not only helps keep businesses open but possibly even helps them expand.

Wisconsin Main Street: 27 Years of People, Places and Progress

While there have been over $1.2 billion in public and private investment in Wisconsin Main Street communities over the past 27 years, what really makes it special are the people and places that have been involved.

Pop-Up Art Tour

Main Street Bartow's empty storefronts become pop-up art galleries to promote economic development.

A Walk Through Rehoboth Beach Main Street

Although a “beach town,” Rehoboth Beach is open 365 days a year, and with that has the unique challenge of catering to both year-round residents and tourists within a wide range of ages, interests and economic levels

Independent We Stand Makes Main Streets a Priority

In communities across the country, hardworking business owners and buy local advocates come together to foster an organized effort to reinvent and revitalize Main Streets and downtown districts.

Announcing the 2015 Great American Main Street Award Winners

The National Main Street Center is pleased to announce that Cape Girardeau, Mo., Montclair Center, N.J., and Rawlins, Wyo. were selected as the 2015 Great American Main Street Award® (GAMSA) winners.