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.
Gain tools to turn plans into progress. Photo by Ellen Gailing
We’ve just added four new, self-guided Local Main Street Leader learning journey courses in the Main Street America Academy. From a deep dive into market analysis to strategies for building trust, each course is designed to support your abilities to launch your leadership efforts to the next level.
Market Analysis for Community Transformation
Discover how data and community insight shape stronger Main Streets. Through interactive examples and case studies, explore how to gather and interpret data, connect findings to your local context, and identify transformation strategies rooted in your district’s strengths. Gain practical tools to translate market analysis into confidence, clarity, and impact. I want to learn more >
Empowering Leadership & Shaping Organizational Culture
Designed for local Main Street leaders, this course helps you build trust, reduce burnout, and create balance by empowering others to lead alongside you. Explore real-world examples and stories from the field to learn how intentional leadership practices can transform everyday operations into a foundation for long-term resilience. Show me how >
Your Main Street Story in Action: Craft. Brand. Share.
Turn your Main Street story into action with strategies to craft, brand, and share it in ways that connect people and enhance the visibility of your district. From uncovering your community’s unique story to unlocking tools for crafting authentic messages that highlight results and emotion, learn how to communicate your program’s day-to-day work into stories that resonate. Add this to my roster >
Partnerships, Trust, and Community Influence
Strong Main Street leaders build more than programs — they build relationships. Explore how to form authentic partnerships, communicate with transparency, and shape public perception through trust and credibility. Through case examples and reflection activities, unlock actionable strategies and ready-to-use templates to strengthen your partnerships and lead with influence. I’m ready to dive in >
There’s more: Explore all 10 Launching courses of the Local Main Street Leader learning journey, and keep an eye out for more self-guided courses designed to support your growth, plus more live, instructor-led learning opportunities on special topics rolling out over the coming months.
From interactive self-paced courses and immersive in-person workshops, the Main Street America Academy offers practical, engaging, and flexible learning experiences designed to help you grow your impact, sharpen your skills, and lead with confidence.
Already a member? Access the Academy using your individual member account website login credentials, create your profile, and dive in.
Not a member yet? Sign up for the Academy. Many courses, resources, and articles are free.
Need help? Check out the FAQs.
Running a successful Main Street program requires passion, dedication, and solid organizational systems. Learn how to identify and evaluate inefficient systems, and how to turn hurdles into helpers with this three-part, peer-instructor course starting December 3, 2025. Come with a desire to explore systems-based thinking and walk away with the clarity, structure, and confidence to lead with intention.
Gain organizational tools for maximum impact. Photo by FlamingoImages
Mission-driven work is tough, requiring changemakers to navigate stressful situations and develop resilience. Learning how to listen to and work with your body can help! Join us on Thursday, November 13, for Reclaim Resilience: Nervous System Practices for Sustainable Leadership, a workshop for impact-driven changemakers interested in learning practical nervous system regulation techniques that support clarity, presence, and sustainable leadership.
Learn how to stay grounded with body-based tools. Photo by Drazen Zigic/iStock
Advice and insights from the Natural Disaster and Crisis Response Survey.
