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.
Macon, Georgia © Mike Jones Photography
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. Keep reading for more information or click here to get started!
Eligibility: All Accredited Main Street America programs, with an active Main Street membership and that have not previously won, are eligible to apply.
Application: Candidates must submit a complete application through the online portal and application fee by Friday, July 26, at 11:59 p.m. CDT. A preview of the updated and streamlined application, response rubrics, document upload templates, and more are available on our website. Great American Main Street Award
2025 GAMSA Application Webinar: Join us on Monday, June 17, at 12 p.m. CDT, to learn more about the Great American Main Street Award, the updated and streamlined 2025 application, and key dates. Get tips for completing your application and hear insights from Emily Hopkins, Vice President of External Affairs and Main Street Macon Manager at NewTown Macon, a 2024 GAMSA winning community. This webinar will be recorded. Registration is required. Register here >
Selection Criteria: Semifinalists and winners are selected from a nationwide pool of applicants by a jury of Main Street professionals and leaders in the fields of community and economic development and historic preservation. Learn more about selection criteria >
Accolades: Semifinalists will be promoted through MSA’s digital channels and will receive media relations materials. Recipients will also receive a short documentary film, a plaque, media relations support, prominent placement on the MSA website for two years, and recognition at a ceremony at the 2025 Main Street Now Conference in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.
Don’t miss your chance to vie for this prestigious award: submit your application by Friday, July 26, at 11:59 p.m. CDT!
Questions? Email gamsa@mainstreet.org.