Fostering a culture of health, inclusion, and innovation on Main Street

Welcome to the inaugural edition of State of Main, the annual publication of Main Street America! Across the country, the 44 Coordinating Programs and more than 1,000 Accredited and Affiliate programs that collectively make up Main Street America are transforming historic downtowns and commercial districts, bringing new life to the places we call home. 

We’ve captured that vitality and forward momentum in the pages that follow, and highlighted some critical issues we see playing an even more important role in our work going forward.

Articles

Healthy Places: How Designing for Health & Wellbeing Supports Community Prosperity

By Cathy Costakis, Consultant to the Montana Department of Public Health and Human Services’ Nutrition and Physical Activity program, and Tash Wisemiller, Coordinator for the Montana Main Street Program

Cathy Costakis and Tash Wisemiller take a close look at the connection between the wellbeing of residents and the vitality of communities and explore the wide range of design elements and tools available that will lead to more active, accessible and connected Main Streets.

Construir comunidades inclusivas en Main Street

By Norma Ramirez de Miess, Vice President of Field Services, Downtowns, and Hannah White, Chief Impact Officer

Norma Ramirez de Miess and Hannah White of Main Street America delve into the important role that Main Street America programs have to play in building inclusive communities.

Cultivar un liderazgo eficaz para transformar las comunidades

By Norma Ramirez de Miess, Vice President of Field Services, Downtowns, and Rachel Bowdon, Senior Director of Marketing and Communications

Norma Ramirez de Miess and Rachel Bowdon of Main Street America outline what it takes to lead Main Street effectively and turn to the Main Street America Network for an insightful Q&A.

The Comeback: Manufacturers Finding New Homes along Main Street

By Matt Wagner, Ph.D., Chief Program Officer

Across the country, independent makers and manufacturers are helping to fuel a renaissance in downtowns and commercial districts, harnessing renewed interest in locally produced materials and experiential shopping. Matt Wagner, Ph.D., explores how this relatively new group of innovators is carving out an important place in the local Main Street economy.