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Kendall Whittier — Tulsa, Oklahoma © Kendall Whittier Main Street

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Three Main Street America Staff members standing in front of a mural in Marion, Iowa.

Marion, Iowa © Tasha Sams

About

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.

Overview Who We Are How We Work Partner Collaborations Our Supporters Our Team Job Opportunities Contact Us
Two community members in Emporia Kansas pose with a sign saying "I'm a Main Streeter"

Emporia, Kansas © Emporia Main Street

Our Network

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.

Overview Coordinating Programs Main Street Communities Collective Impact Awards & Recognition Community Evaluation Framework Join the Movement
Dionne Baux and MSA partner working in Bronzeville, Chicago.

Chicago, Illinois © Main Street America

Resources

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!

Overview Knowledge Hub Field Services Government Relations Main Street Now Conference Main Street America Institute Small Business Support Allied Member Services The Point Members Area
People riding e-scooters in Waterloo, Iowa

Waterloo, Iowa © Main Street Waterloo

The Latest

Your one-stop-shop for all the latest stories, news, events, and opportunities – including grants and funding programs – across Main Street.

Overview News & Stories Events & Opportunities Subscribe
Woman and girl at a festival booth in Kendall Whittier, Tulsa, Oklahoma.

Kendall Whittier — Tulsa, Oklahoma © Kendall Whittier Main Street

Get Involved

Join us in our work to advance shared prosperity, create strong economies, and improve quality of life in downtowns and neighborhood commercial districts.

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April 9, 2019 | Activating the Main Street Approach through Placemaking |  By Michael Wagler, Main Street Iowa
Large_pic_-_Iowa_article.pngPhoto credit: Dubuque Main Street

Using small-scale placemaking to drive incremental implementation of your local Main Street effort is an effective way to empower community members and create a more action-oriented program. In this week’s Main Spotlight, Main Street Iowa Coordinator Michael Wagler provides strategies on how to get started, offers inspiring case stories of programs across the state that are demonstrating impact and change through placemaking activities, and outlines tips for creating an action-oriented culture. 

Read it here >


This article was originally published in the 2019 edition of State of Main.


About the author:

Michael Wagler is the Main Street Iowa Coordinator at the Iowa Economic Development Authority’s Downtown Resource Center. Michael has worked with the Main Street Iowa team in different capacities since 2002. Prior to becoming the State Coordinator in 2012, he served Iowa’s downtown districts as a Main Street Design Specialist. He began his Main Street journey in 1996 by investing his time and talents with his hometown Main Street program, Bloomfield, Iowa. Michael has also worked in a consulting role in states throughout the nation including: Oregon, New Mexico, and Wisconsin. He earned a B.F.A. in Historic Preservation and Architectural History from the Savannah College of Art & Design in Savannah, Georgia.  Michael earned his Master’s degree in Community & Regional Planning from Iowa State University in Ames, Iowa.



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