Main Street America is pleased to announce that 1,172 programs across the country have achieved designation as Main Street America programs in recognition of their commitment to preservation-based economic development and community revitalization through the Main Street Approach™.

The 2025 network of designated Main Street members includes 821 programs that earned Accredited status — our top designation tier — for demonstrating a proven track record of achieving outcomes in alignment with the Main Street Approach and exceptional performance in the six standards of community evaluation. Additionally, 351 programs have received Affiliate status for showing a strong commitment to the Main Street model and creating meaningful improvements in their communities. 

“Main Street America is proud to recognize this year’s 1,172 designated Main Street programs for their commitment to building strong and vibrant communities,” said Erin Barnes, President and CEO of Main Street America. ​“Their tireless efforts show what’s possible when engaged leaders work together to shape places that reflect the people they serve. The continued impact of our network shows that the Main Street movement remains a powerful force for positive transformation.”

Main Street America recognizes two tiers of national designation — Affiliate and Accredited. These designations are a powerful advocacy tool, signaling to local stakeholders, as well as city, state, and national funders, that a Main Street program has an established position within a nationwide movement with a 45-year proven track record of generating impressive economic returns, building local capacity, creating welcoming and inviting communities, and creating lasting impact. 

To quality for designation communities must demonstrate a strong commitment to the Main Street model, meet a set of baseline requirements, and achieve outcomes in six areas: broad-based community commitment to revitalization; inclusive leadership and organizational capacity; diversified funding and sustainable program operations; strategy-driven programming; preservation-based economic development; and demonstrated impact and results. Learn more about the framework, standards, and designation here.

Each program’s performance was evaluated through assessments conducted by the organization’s personnel and board of directors, and their Coordinating Program, which works in partnership with Main Street America to identify programs that meet rigorous national community evaluation standards. These standards provide the Main Street America network with a strong foundational framework to review progress, recognize strengths, understand trends, and identify strategies that move Main Street programs forward. 

In 2024, Main Street America programs generated $7.65 billion in local reinvestment, helped open 6,324 new businesses, facilitated the creation of 33,835 new jobs, rehabilitated 10,126 historic buildings, and logged 1.9 million volunteer hours. On average, for every dollar that a Main Street program spent to support their operations, $21.73 was reinvested into their downtown and commercial corridor communities. Learn more about the collective impact of the Main Street Movement here.

*This data is based on reports gathered from 1,275 Main Street America designated programs, accounting for their work performed from January 1, 2024 to December 31, 2024.