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.
Celebrating 2025 Mary Means Leadership Awards recipient Claudia Loya. Photo by BeauMonde Originals
We are excited to share that we’ve just opened our 2026 Mary Means Leadership Awards application! We invite you to join us in celebrating the incredible accomplishments of exceptional leaders shaping the Main Street movement by nominating your organization’s stellar team member for this prestigious award. Tell us about your community’s visionary volunteer, board member, or staff person by Friday, December 5.
Introduced in 2019, the Mary Means Leadership Awards recognize exceptional local leaders for their extraordinary vision, determination, and commitment to community-led transformation, in honor of the outstanding and steadfast leadership of Main Street America’s founder, Mary Means. Our call for nominations for the 2026 recipients is open from October 27-December 5, 2025.
Who is Eligible: Current employees, board members, and volunteers of a Local or Coordinating Program with an active Main Street America membership.
How to Nominate: You may nominate yourself or others by submitting a completed application, consisting of short responses and letters of support. Preview the application here.
What are the Criteria: Nominees will be evaluated on the ways they demonstrate exceptional leadership qualities, such as building local capacity, centering equity, bringing together diverse stakeholders through a shared vision, and exhibiting innovation and ingenuity.
By When: All completed applications must be submitted through the online portal by Friday, December 5, at 11:59 p.m. CT.
How Recipients are Recognized: The 2026 Mary Means Leadership Awards recipients will receive complimentary Community Transformation Workshop and 2026 Main Street Now Conference registration, media relations support, a special feature on the Main Street America website, and public recognition at the 2026 Main Street Now Conference in Tulsa, Oklahoma.
Discover how Mount Vernon Downtown Association’s artisan retail market, The LIDO Collective, provides local artists with a place to build their confidence, learn business skills, and grow their client base – all while revitalizing their downtown core.
Help us welcome Buffy Skee from Oklahoma Main Street, Liz Parham from North Carolina Main Street, and Frances Jo Hamilton from Heritage Ohio as they join the Coordinating Programs Leadership Council.
New research dives into the challenges and needs of Main Street leaders in Boston and North Carolina and provides recommendations for support and resources to help local leaders succeed.
