Main Street Disaster and Resilience Toolkit
This publication is designed to help Main Streets and commercial district organizations better prepare for and respond to more frequent and severe disasters.
Marion, IA © Uptown Marion
East Oakland, California © Black Cultural Zone
Featured Resource
Explore Resource
Main Street Disaster and Resilience Toolkit
Understand your local risks, create a plan to mitigate their impacts, and respond to and recover from events as they occur.
Marion, IA © Uptown Marion
Browse Resources
Activate the First 16 Feet
This webinar will help you focus on the area where shared human experiences are most felt and learn small interventions to unlock the energy of the First 16 Feet in your district.
Determining Main Street Boundaries
Use this resource to guide your efforts to established or re-draw the boundaries of your downtown or neighborhood commercial district. Published by Texas Main Street Program.
Older, Smaller, Better
This study, from the Preservation Green Lab at the National Trust for Historic Preservation, demonstrates the unique and valuable role that older, smaller buildings play in the development of sustainable cities.
AARP Bike Audit
Evaluate the safety and usability of bike networks in your Main Street commercial district. Published by AARP.
Wayfinding Sign System Guide
This guide from Virginia Main Street explores the importance of wayfinding, the components of a custom wayfinding plan, design considerations, and implementation.
Sterling, Illinois. © Sterling Main Street
Construction Mitigation Plan
Construction can be very disruptive for downtown businesses. Use this sample mitigation plan to help you develop your own strategy to assist your downtown businesses during a construction project. Published by Cumberland Main Street.
Downtown Design Guide
This guide from Main Street Alabama explores how design relates to urban planning, construction, storefronts, existing assets, public space, art, and building codes.
Anti-Racism Resources
As community organizations, it is important for Main Streets to stand against racism and bigotry. This toolkit is designed to give you an understanding of the history of our country, the key tenants of allyship, and the ways that your organization can help reduce injustice.
Richmond, CA © Ellen Gailing
Creating Outdoor Spaces in Colder Months
Watch this webinar to learn how you can create welcoming and comfortable third spaces and gathering places outdoors during winter cold months.
Commercial District Design: Open Streets and Design
In this AARP guide, learn how open streets projects and other design elements can improve downtown design and create vibrant and sustainable communities.
Commercial District Design: Public Amenities
In this AARP guide, learn how public amenities can help build richer, more connected, and more sustainable communities.
Featured Resource
Explore Guide
Streets for People Guide
This transportation guide and associated resources provide a comprehensive overview of the role that streets play in building sense of place and the importance of good street design.
Kansas City, Missouri © Lorraine Boogich / iStock
Latest News & Stories
How Free Music Experiences Strengthen America’s Main Streets
Music has a unifying power to bring people of all generations, backgrounds, and cultures together for creative expression. Let’s explore how accessible, family-friendly music experiences can strengthen Main Streets across America to build stronger communities, one concert at a time!
$1.8 Million Awarded in Sub-Grants Through USDOT Thriving Communities Program
Main Street America is pleased to announce the launch of a $1.8 million sub-grant program as part of our partnership with the U.S. Department of Transportation's (USDOT) Thriving Communities Program.
Beloit, Kansas © Shane Hampton
Main Spotlight: How to Survive and Thrive During Construction
Construction projects can put a lot of stress on your downtown. From preparation to completion, Brooke Prouty at Iowa Economic Development Authority shares best practices to help your Main Street thrive during construction.
Main Spotlight: Breaking Barriers to Acquiring Commercial Properties
Creating real change in business ownership starts with local communities leading the way, backed by strong partnerships and collaborations.
From Vacant Lots to Vibrant Venues: The Impact of Levitt AMP Concerts on Main Streets
At the heart of thriving Main Streets are vibrant public spaces that unite people of all ages and backgrounds and enrich community life. And what better way to activate public spaces than through the power of free, live music?
Middlesboro, Kentucky © Levitt Foundation
Advocacy Spotlight: Improving Connectivity in Main Streets through Infrastructure Investments
Learn how Main Streets can tap into federal resources to improve transportation infrastructure, take down barriers, and improve access to key services.
Main Spotlight: Announcing the Main Street Disaster and Resilience Toolkit
Main Street America is proud to announce the release of a new resource to help Main Streets and commercial district organizations better prepare for and respond to more frequent and severe disasters.
Marion, IA © Uptown Marion
Community Spotlight: Fields Corner Main Street Uses Art to Increase Community Safety
This Boston Main Street installed an innovative street mural to highlight crosswalks and improve pedestrian safety.
Main Spotlight: Main Streets are for the Dogs!
These seven Main Streets have implemented innovative, exciting, and fun programs to help welcome dogs to their downtowns.
Main Spotlight: Downtown Lansing Steps Into Tough Conversations About How to Make Public Spaces for Everyone
MSA President and CEO Erin Barnes explores how a holiday market in a public park brought a new focus on growing humanitarian needs in downtown city centers.
Apply for the USDOT RAISE Grant to Improve Your District’s Transportation Infrastructure
The RAISE program funds surface transportation projects with local and regional impact by enhancing safety, mobility, sustainability, and economic growth.
Streetscape improvements can make a big difference for Main Streets. © Grant Harper
Main Spotlight: Building Partnerships for Main Street Success
Learn how Main Street America's work with the DOT's Thriving Communities Program is supporting transformative efforts with community partners like the Shoalwater Bay Indian Tribe.
