Board Spotlight: Meet Main Street America’s Three New Board Members
We are excited to welcome Lynda Tran, Tyrone Rachal, and Mary Helmer Wirth to the Main Street America Board of Directors
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Learn How to Tackle Complex Revitalization Scenarios with our Community Transformation Workshop
Join Main Street America experts in Vancouver, Wash., to gain first-hand experience in harnessing transformation strategies to successfully revitalize your Main Street! An essential component of the Main Street America Institute curriculum, the Community Transformation Workshop is an intensive and interactive two-day experience filled with educational sessions and exercises aimed to provide participants with advanced tools and strategies to address complex revitalization projects and initiatives.
Space is limited. Member discounts and travel scholarships are available!
Details
When: October 2-3, 2023
Where: Vancouver, Washington
What to Expect:
- Hands-on projects and exercises showcasing communities implementing strategic approaches to commercial district revitalization through the Main Street Approach
- Learn how to define transformation strategies using data, surveys, and district investigation
- Explore the foundations of transformation strategies and how to build upon them
Agenda Includes: Opportunities to spend time in two Main Street communities, conducting district investigations and connecting with local leaders.
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- The Main Street Approach & Community Analysis
- District Investigation
- Community Analysis Discussion
- Placemaking & Destination-building Strategies
- Defining a Community-Driven Organizational Structure
Plus: networking, time to explore independently, and more!
Check out the full agenda here >
Pricing: $800 members | $1,000 non-members
Who Should Participate: This workshop is ideal for revitalization professionals and leaders in management positions at the local, city-wide or state level in organizations engaged in the fields of community revitalization and development.
Availability & Registration: Space is limited and is filled on a first-come, first-served basis. The deadline to register is Friday, September 15.
*New* Accommodations: Room blocks at the Hilton Vancouver Washington are now available! Learn more and get the reservation link here >
Travel Scholarships: There are a limited number of $500 travel reimbursement scholarships available to Main Street organizations. Learn more >
Credit: The Community Transformation Workshop counts towards achieving the Main Street America Institute’s Community Transformation Certificate. In addition, AICP members can earn Certification Maintenance (CM) credits for this activity. More information about AICP’s CM program can be found at www.planning.org/cm.
Workshop Partners: Washington State Main Street, Vancouver’s Downtown Association, Stevenson Downtown Association
Full Details: Complete course description, agenda, logistics details, COVID19 protocols, and more are available here >
Have questions? Email msai@mainstreet.org.
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The Reality of Main Street — Letter from the President
The National Main Street Center and the Brookings Institution have jointly authored a response to Mr. Hyman’s piece, The Reality of Main Street, that is featured on Brookings’ blog.
Michigan Main Street Refresh Implementation: Our Process and Lessons Learned So Far
Michigan Main Street Center was the first Coordinating Program to implement the new Main Street approach on a large scale. In this article, they share their robust process and valuable lessons.
The Reality of Main Street
There is another way for smaller communities to compete in today’s economy and we believe a strong main street strategy is at the heart of it.
The Myth of Main Street? Letter from the President
Letter from past MSA President, Patrice Frey
The Lowdown in Downtown LaBelle
Fritz the dog has made his way into the hearts of the residents of LaBelle, Florida, and helped our Main Street Community find a way to make what we do more noticeable.
Strategic Planning Through Transformation Strategies – Saline, Michigan
Back in October 2015, we introduced the three key components of the refreshed Main Street Approach: inputs, outputs and Community Transformation Strategies.
Revitalization and Main Street Transformation
For a lucky few downtowns, greatness may happen effortlessly with a strong sense of place that seems to develop organically and simply sustain itself. For most places, success doesn’t happen by chance.
Revisit Your Community’s Unique Assets: Connecting Asset-Based Economic Development to Community Transformation Strategies
This need for change results from the heavy emphasis on three components of the refreshed Main Street Approach.
The 2016 Great American Main Street Award Winners
The 2016 winners are a diverse group in geography and character, but together demonstrate the broad applicability of the Main Street Approach:
Main Street Nation Radio
The first official show under the Main Street Nation banner aired in June 2015 on WJR-760 AM Detroit.
The Path To The Future
The economic value of historic preservation on Main Street.
Refresh Demonstration Project Sites: Learning Labs for the Updated Main Street Approach
A series of demonstration projects providing the opportunity to test new strategies on the ground, learn from practitioners, and refine the approach.
Why Business Retention and Expansion Plans are Important for Downtowns
A business retention and expansion plan, properly implemented, not only helps keep businesses open but possibly even helps them expand.
Wisconsin Main Street: 27 Years of People, Places and Progress
While there have been over $1.2 billion in public and private investment in Wisconsin Main Street communities over the past 27 years, what really makes it special are the people and places that have been involved.
Pop-Up Art Tour
Main Street Bartow's empty storefronts become pop-up art galleries to promote economic development.
A Walk Through Rehoboth Beach Main Street
Although a “beach town,” Rehoboth Beach is open 365 days a year, and with that has the unique challenge of catering to both year-round residents and tourists within a wide range of ages, interests and economic levels
Independent We Stand Makes Main Streets a Priority
In communities across the country, hardworking business owners and buy local advocates come together to foster an organized effort to reinvent and revitalize Main Streets and downtown districts.
Announcing the 2015 Great American Main Street Award Winners
The National Main Street Center is pleased to announce that Cape Girardeau, Mo., Montclair Center, N.J., and Rawlins, Wyo. were selected as the 2015 Great American Main Street Award® (GAMSA) winners.
