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.
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.
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!
Join us in our work to advance shared prosperity, create strong economies, and improve quality of life in downtowns and neighborhood commercial districts.
The Myth of Main Street? Letter from the President
Dear Main Streeters,
The Loch Ness Monster, unicorns, leprechauns, and Main Streets. What do they have in common? They’re all myths. At least that’s according to yesterday’s New York Times, which ran an opinion piece by economist Louis Hyman, “The Myth of Main Street.” Today's Main Streets, he tells us, are nothing more than pure nostalgia, and only thrive in enclaves of the wealthy, like Brooklyn.
We thought you might share our opinion that Main Streets are, in fact, quite real. Spread the word by using the hashtag #realmainstreet and share your thoughts on the idea that Main Streets are mythology. Check out some commentary on the topic already, including:
A great tweet by Donovan Rypkema of Place Economics: “This is one of the singularly misinformed and ignorant OpEd pieces I’ve ever read in the New York Times.”
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.