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.
Main Street advocates in action. Photo by Main Street America
How you tell your story and show impact to decision-makers is crucial. Whether you’re new to advocacy or strengthening existing efforts, the Main Street America Academy offers courses that equip you with the knowledge and tools to ensure your message yields results. This March, we invite you to build your advocacy muscle with these learning opportunities and resources.
Advocating for Your Local Main Street Budget
Tuesdays, March 17, 24, and 31, 2:00 p.m.-3:30 p.m. CT
Join Main Streeters from across the network for this live, instructor-led course diving into best practices for understanding municipal budgets, crafting compelling cases for support, and building year-round relationships with decision-makers. Start with a desire to take your advocacy efforts to the next level and gain the confidence to advocate effectively for your program. Registration closes on March 16. Save your seat >
From storytelling to demonstrating impact, find helpful tools and techniques to achieve your advocacy goals with these free, self-guided 30-minute learning experiences and resources.
Get started with these Focus on the Four Points courses:
Keep going with our Local Main Street Leader courses:
Dive deeper with fundraising and finance resources available in our Knowledge Hub:
Strategic and consistent advocacy is key to growing and sustaining your local program. Whether you’re new to advocacy or strengthening existing efforts, Advocating for Your Local Main Street Budget provides the tools and strategies you need to champion your program with confidence. Register for this transformative three-part, live instructor-led course today and start honing your advocacy skills on March 17!
Learn how to effectively make your case to local decision-makers. Photo by Downtown Lansing Inc.
Main Street America is proud to recognize Congressman Troy Carter (LA-02) and Congressman Mike Ezell (MS-04) as the inaugural recipients of the Main Street Policy Impact Award, recognizing their contributions to the revitalization of Main Streets and national policy to support economic development through business district organizations.
Civic infrastructure—like parks, libraries, trails, and downtown gathering spaces—is severely underfunded despite its proven impact on economic mobility, public health, and social connection. The Percent for Place coalition is calling for increased federal investment, streamlined funding, and locally driven solutions to close the civic infrastructure gap.
