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Marion, Iowa © Tasha Sams
Trabajamos en colaboración con miles de socios locales y líderes de base de todo el país que comparten nuestro compromiso de fomentar la prosperidad compartida, crear economías resistentes y mejorar la calidad de vida.
Emporia, Kansas © Emporia Main Street
Formadas por pueblos pequeños, comunidades de tamaño medio y distritos comerciales urbanos, las miles de organizaciones, personas, voluntarios y líderes locales que componen Main Street America™ representan la amplia diversidad que hace que este país sea tan singular.
Chicago, Illinois © Main Street America
¿Busca estrategias y herramientas que le ayuden en su trabajo? Sumérgete en el Centro de Recursos de Main Street y explora una amplia gama de recursos, entre los que se incluyen nuestro extenso Centro de Conocimientos, oportunidades de desarrollo profesional, ofertas de servicios sobre el terreno, apoyo a la promoción y mucho más.
Waterloo, Iowa © Main Street Waterloo
Su ventanilla única para conocer las últimas historias, noticias, eventos y oportunidades -incluidas subvenciones y programas de financiación- en Main Street.
Kendall Whittier - Tulsa, Oklahoma © Kendall Whittier Main Street
Únase a nosotros en nuestro trabajo para fomentar la prosperidad compartida, crear economías fuertes y mejorar la calidad de vida en los centros y distritos comerciales de los barrios.
Streetscapes play an important role in the design and economy of your downtown. © sanfel
Main Streets are central transportation arteries, with over 75% of Main Street programs bisected by a state highway. Often, these streets can be messy to manage and unsafe for pedestrians. But they can also play a role in key strategies to reduce emissions, increase quality of life, and enhance economic outcomes. Together, we can work towards recognizing the value of our Main Streets and creating plans to improve them.
Recently, Main Street America CEO Erin Barnes spoke at the U.S. Department of Transportation (USDOT) Symposium on Transportation and Climate to share how Main Streets are essential to creating environmentally, socially, and economically sustainable communities. Erin joined USDOT’s Kristin White, Deputy Administrator of the Federal Highway Administration, and a panel of rural and tribal experts to discuss the nexus of downtown revitalization, transportation, and emissions reduction
Main Street America is grateful to the USDOT, including our colleagues on the Rural Opportunities to Use Transportation for Economic Success (ROUTES) team. This month, Members of USDOT, joined by the MSA Government Relations team, offered a webinar highlighting two federal grant opportunities for Main Streets: The Safe Streets and Roads for All (SS4A) grant program and The Charging and Fueling Infrastructure (CFI) grant program.
I think we have to listen to local concerns and meet folks — wherever they are, where they are. Rural thinking is not one homogeneous group — so what works in one rural place won’t work in another.
On July 11 and 12, USDOT hosted a Symposium on Transportation and Climate, gathering decisionmakers from the private and public sectors working across siloes towards transportation decarbonization, transformation, accessible communities, and mobility freedom for all. The event recognized climate champions and innovative decision makers from across the country.
The symposium included a panel entitled “Revitalizing Downtowns: Tribal and Rural Leadership,” where Main Street America CEO Erin Barnes joined panelists Julie Fitzpatrick, Executive Director, Pennsylvania Downtown Center, Mayor John McArdle, Independence, OR, and Levi Brown, Director of Tribal Affairs, MnDOT to discuss the overlap between downtown revitalization, transportation, and climate strategies.
Erin described three key criteria for revitalizing rural communities in the context of reducing emissions and combatting climate change: land use, adaptive reuse of buildings, and transportation. Reinvestment in Main Street corridors naturally mitigates greenhouse gas emissions by reducing sprawl, focusing on the existing energy and infrastructure grids, and pouring less concrete. Additionally, she noted the vital role of adaptive reuse of buildings, a key decarbonization strategy. Key to the conversation, Erin explained that slower traffic and safer streets means better economic impact for small businesses, and how street design coupled with green strategies can play a part in downtown redevelopment.
Describing the work of Pennsylvania Downtown Center (PDC), Julie explained the long-term partnership between PDC and several state agencies to create active transportation systems as part of the vitalization of Pennsylvania’s boroughs. Through PDC’s WalkWorks and Nature-Base Placemaking programs, they support collaborative approaches to improving transportation for both recreational users and everyday commuters and residents.
Noting the need for technical assistance to implement climate change strategies, Erin encouraged USDOT to expand capacity building programs, like the Thriving Communities Program, which positions communities to assess their unique needs and assets and determine where additional resources could address infrastructure gaps.
Erin Barnes, Main Street America, Julie Fitzpatrick, Pennsylvania Downtown Center, Mayor John McArdle, Independence, OR, and Levi Brown, MnDOT, speak at the DOT event. © Main Street America
Erin Barnes and Julie Fitzpatrick shared examples of ways that Main Streets can support transportation and reduce climate change. © Main Street America
Main Street America is excited to work with USDOT partners to broadcast federal resources to our network. Earlier this month, the Government Relations team invited representatives from USDOT along with a city planner and economic developer from Madison Heights, Michigan to discuss federal transportation resources for Main Streets.
Paul Teicher, Transportation Policy Analyst at USDOT, described the Safe Streets and Roads for All (SS4A) program, which provides funding and technical assistance for communities to prevent roadway fatalities. Jeff Peele, Deployment Manager at Joint Office of Energy and Transportation, described the Charging and Fueling Infrastructure (CFI) program, which provides funding for communities to build EV charging infrastructure.
Additionally, Giles Tucker, Community and Economic Development Director in Madison Heights, Michigan, and Matt Lonnerstater, City Planner in Madison Heights, Michigan, discussed their involvement in a SS4A planning grant, and the connection with their community’s roadway reconfiguration effort and long-term comprehensive planning. Matt and Giles explained the ways in which they collaborated with their neighbors to secure federal funding and coordinate on a regional approach to transportation planning.
Main Streets are vital community arteries connecting us to our neighbors and businesses. But the streets themselves are often too wide, uncontrolled, inaccessible, and move vehicles too fast. Many communities struggle to balance the movement of vehicles with pedestrians and bicyclists while navigating community input and economic impact.
In the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, Congress recognized the need to help communities address dangerous streets and created the Safe Streets and Roads for All (SS4A) grant program. Planning and Demonstration Grants – one of two types of assistance available under the SS4A program – are open for application until August 29, 2024.
How to Get Started
Review the SS4A website and Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO) to determine if your project is a good fit for the program. The Frequently Asked Questions page addresses common programmatic questions, and recorded webinars provide additional information to aid applicants.
Carefully follow the requirements described in Section D of the NOFO to prepare your application. If your application does not include the required components in the required format, it may not be considered.
We are here to help! Main Street America encourages communities interested in applying for SS4A to communicate with us at advocacy@mainstreet.org or our member community, the Point, to share questions and receive support.
Main Streets have carried all sorts of people and vehicles throughout U.S. history from horse and buggy to gas-powered automobile. The 21st century has seen the rise of electric vehicles (EVs), but Main Streets often lack the infrastructure and charging stations needed to ensure a robust and reliable EV network.
The Bipartisan Infrastructure Law included funds to strategically deploy publicly accessible EV charging and alternative fueling infrastructure in the place people live and work. Grant applications to support this infrastructure are available through the U.S. Department of Transportation (USDOT) until August 28, 2024.
How to Get Started
Review the CFI website and Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO) to determine if your project is a good fit for the program. Carefully follow the requirements described in the NOFO to prepare your application. Reach out to CFIGrants@dot.gov by July 29 with any questions about the application.
We are here to help! Main Street America encourages communities interested in applying for CFI to communicate with us at advocacy@mainstreet.org or our member community, the Point, to share questions and receive support.
Interested in other federal funding opportunities? Check out Main Street America’s new Federal Funding Guide to learn about programs and approaches to partnership.
This resource from Main Street America offers a list of over 25 grant programs that can be used on Main Streets, with key information like eligible entities and matching requirements.
Danville, Virginia © River District Association
This Boston Main Street installed an innovative street mural to highlight crosswalks and improve pedestrian safety.
These seven Main Streets have implemented innovative, exciting, and fun programs to help welcome dogs to their downtowns.
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.
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
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.
Apply for federal funding to remove, retrofit, or mitigate transportation infrastructure that creates barriers to community connectivity.
Art is a powerful tool for community change. Learn how the arts can improve community engagement, boost economic development, and connect with the Main Street Approach.
Learn how the Safe Streets and Roads for All program is providing grants to prevent roadway deaths and serious injuries.
Streetscape in Denison, Texas. © Mel Climer — Climer Design
REV Birmingham y Woodlawn United comparten cómo trabajan para revitalizar espacios y lugares en Birmingham (Alabama) mediante proyectos de infraestructuras cívicas en los históricos corredores comerciales de la ciudad.
Descubra cómo esta ciudad de Luisiana ha dado prioridad a la accesibilidad para construir una comunidad acogedora e integradora.
Centro de Ruston, Luisiana. Fotografía de Henry McCoy.
Descubra cómo el barrio Little Five Points de Atlanta utiliza este singular programa de murales para celebrar San Valentín y recaudar importantes fondos para su obra.
Aprenda cómo la micromovilidad puede aumentar el acceso, la equidad y la inclusión en su calle principal con ejemplos de programas locales de toda la red.
Washington Main Street anima a la gente a enfrentarse al tiempo lluvioso con su programa gratuito de reparto de paraguas.
El aparcamiento es un problema difícil para muchas calles principales. Analizamos los argumentos a favor y en contra del aparcamiento gratuito, así como un método para realizar un inventario del aparcamiento en el centro de la ciudad.
Miami, FL © Matt Alaniz
Descubra cómo la Asociación del Centro de Bainbridge Island aprovecha su conexión con el ferry para crear un centro de la ciudad transitable y lleno de vida.
Bainbridge Island, WA © Anna Carson
Un innovador proyecto artístico da nueva vida a los callejones de Billings, Montana.
Billings, MT © Alianza Downtown Billings
Tanto en las grandes ciudades como en los pueblos pequeños, la gente se enfrenta a peligros cada vez mayores cuando se desplaza a pie. Como defensoras de unos centros urbanos conectados y transitables, las calles principales desempeñan un papel crucial en el aumento de la seguridad de los peatones.
Lansing, Michigan © Lansing 5:01
Infórmese sobre cómo puede participar en el programa Comunidades prósperas como capacitador o cómo puede recibir apoyo del programa.
Para celebrar el Mes Nacional de los Parques y las Actividades Recreativas, exploramos tres proyectos y colaboraciones innovadores e interesantes basados en los parques de las comunidades de Main Street.
Waterloo, Iowa, comparte consejos y lecciones aprendidas de su programa de e-scooter.
Aprenda a aprovechar los principios y estrategias de diseño para crear un centro de la ciudad más fresco y acogedor.
Main Street America ha recibido 5,9 millones de dólares para apoyar a 20 comunidades de la Main Streets Community of Practice a través del Thriving Communities Program del Departamento de Transporte durante los próximos dos años.
La ciudad de Leeds, AL dio la bienvenida a un nuevo mural en el centro de la ciudad durante las vacaciones que ha traído un sentido de entusiasmo y anticipación para los esfuerzos continuos para centrarse en el distrito del centro de Leeds.
Leeds, AL © Jeremy Dove
¿Qué hay más típico de Iowa que convertir los graneros en arte público? Descubre cómo Main Street Coon Rapids creó estos hermosos murales para celebrar el centro de la ciudad.
Coon Rapids, IA © Main Street Coon Rapids
Los jardines de polinizadores son una forma fantástica de aumentar los espacios verdes, fomentar la sostenibilidad y educar a la comunidad sobre el medio ambiente local.
El programa AARP Community Challenge concede subvenciones de acción rápida para activar espacios públicos. Conoce algunas de las Main Streets subvencionadas este año a través del programa.
Metuchen, NJ © Alianza Downtown Metuchen
Learn how these outdoor microspaces can contribute to more vibrancy in our public spaces.
Chairman Emeritus Ed McMahon explores the power of place in creating spaces people love.
Boise, ID © christiannafzger
To support Georgia Main Streets throughout the recovery process and position them for long-term sustainability, Main Street America launched the Georgia Main Street Innovation Grant Program, made possible through generous support from The Williams Family Foundation of Georgia.
Thomasville, GA © Thomasville Main Street
Intentional placemaking has had many unexpected benefits for this Alabama town.
Wetumpka, AL © Jenny Sue Stubbs
We heard from organizations across the nation about the incredible impact their markets have had on community engagement, entrepreneur and small business support, and keeping their district vibrant.
Hopewell, NM © Hopewell Downtown Partnership
Mount Airy Downtown, Inc., celebrated the return of their Market Street Arts and Entertainment District (MSA & ED) last weekend, as part of their pandemic recovery efforts.
Mount Airy, NC © Robbie Curlee
A vacant storefront is the perfect stage to creatively promote the available space or to showcase other businesses and events in the area.
Interested in creating a StoryWalk in your downtown commercial district? Read on to learn more about installing a successful story walking trail.
In remembrance and in honor of Dr. Marin Luther King Jr., over 900 streets in the United States were named after him. Many are located predominantly in African American communities.
Milwaukee, WI © Historic King Drive BID
Dubbed the Blues Alley, the Ripley Main Street program plans to install murals of local pioneering Black blues artists, cutout guitars painted by local art students, and blues lyrics painted on the walls.
Ripley, MS © Ripley Main Street
Wayfinding guides people to places they seek but it also brings awareness to places they may have otherwise missed.
Since 2013, Try This West Virginia has sought to improve health environments in local communities as a collaboration of organizations working together to combat the health challenges facing West Virginians.
Main Street America partnered with OneMain Financial to create Made on Main Street.
Creating a historic or art walking tour is much more than simply a collection of pictures and descriptions.
Over 300 attendees enjoyed a family-friendly block party that celebrated the community and showcased Prosser's upcoming streetscape improvement project.
Cambridge was the first Main Street community in Maryland to install public chargers.
The Downtown Newton Development Association (North Carolina) partnered with the City of Newton on a temporary tactical urbanism project to demonstrate how their permanent streetscape improvements will benefit downtown.
Over 500 people braved the misty rain this past weekend to come and celebrate Painesville and its Made on Main Street community transformation project.
Wilson Artsy Alleys is an initiative of the Wilson Downtown Development Corporation which takes the arts to new locations in forgotten places.
In October 2017, Main Street Ottumwa collaborated with local partners, Main Street Iowa, the National Endowment for the Arts, and the Better Block Foundation to stop planning, talking, and wishing, and start doing.
Kelly Tompkins of Main Street Enid shares more about the Maker Trail project and how it inspired creativity and helped people discover downtown.
The Metuchen Downtown Alliance created a cool, family-friendly public gathering space in “the worst looking spot in town” with the help of just $2,500 in Edward Jones Placemaking on Main Challenge matching grant funds,
A collaborative effort launched between Laramie Main Street Alliance (LMSA) and vertical farming company, Plenty, looked to blank downtown walls as a canvas for growing food, creating conversation, and activating overlooked spaces.
From walkability and transportation connectivity, to access to nature and availability of fresh food, place is inextricably linked to achieving positive health outcomes in rural America.
Beautiful view of the Eiffel Tower fountain through Main Street Paris's new Love Lock Fence.
Kasey Drummond, Glenrock Main Street Director, explains how they brought the acclaimed graffiti artist ARCY to their Main Street and explores the work he produced in three additional Wyoming communities on his summer tour.
Karen Dye, Newkirk Main Street's program manager, was inspired to “make downtown more fun and festive” with painted water meter covers after learning about the practice at a recent Main Street Now conference.
Appealing to mobility-challenged shoppers yields benefits beyond the store.
In contrast, the Main Street Program in Laramie, Wyoming, is thriving, having successfully cultivated millions of dollars to help fill these vacant, blighted spaces with permanent structures.
In this article we’ll explore the process of planning, funding, installing, operating, and enjoying music on your Main Street.
In 2016, the North Carolina Main Street & Rural Planning Center partnered with the University of North Carolina at Greensboro’s Department of Interior Architecture (UNCG) to provide design assistance to Main Street communities.
Placemaking is a strategy that Six Corners Association has enthusiastically applied to our community development efforts because of its seamless integration with the Main Street Approach.
How one Wyoming Main Street implemented a free bike share program.
In 2015, the Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation (WEDC) partnered with the University of Wisconsin–Madison to engage Wisconsin Main Street organizations and farmers markets in the Metrics and Indicators for Impact – Farmers Markets (MIFI-FM) toolkit.
La organización local Main Street, Downtown Milford Inc., está intentando hacer frente a estos cambios demográficos creando un sentimiento de comunidad más integrador.
Esta es la historia de cómo una reunión de la Fundación Nacional de las Artes en Washington inspiró a los líderes de una pequeña ciudad de los Apalaches a conectar con los de Milwaukee para transformar un parque abandonado.
Las comunidades de Main Street de todo el país no son ajenas a la búsqueda de estrategias creativas para resolver sus problemas más acuciantes: edificios vacíos, comercialización del centro, refuerzo del comercio minorista, por nombrar algunos.
Este artículo es el segundo de una serie sobre los corredores y el importante papel que desempeñan en la revitalización de Main Street. El artículo anterior se centraba en los orígenes históricos de los corredores, los tipos de corredores y las funciones que desempeñan en nuestras comunidades.
La apariencia de las fachadas es un aspecto crítico del atractivo estético general y del carácter único del centro de la ciudad.
Aunque el programa Main Street no tome la iniciativa en la mejora de los corredores, puede ser un socio vital y un defensor de las mejoras en el aspecto general de la comunidad.
Las banderolas en los postes de las calles preservan el carácter histórico de las calles principales a la vez que fomentan la concienciación y el compromiso de la comunidad.
Con el firme apoyo de la comunidad, la Fundación de la Biblioteca consiguió recaudar más de 1,2 millones de dólares en donaciones privadas.
Para que un centro de ciudad funcione bien hacen falta muchos carteles, pero no todas las comunidades saben cómo es un buen sistema de señalización ni lo decisivo que puede ser para crear un centro de ciudad de éxito.
Uno de los principales objetivos del tranvía de Atlanta es atraer inversiones y revitalizar los barrios situados a lo largo de su trazado.
Atlanta, Georgia © Central Atlanta Progress
