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.
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.
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!
Join us in our work to advance shared prosperity, create strong economies, and improve quality of life in downtowns and neighborhood commercial districts.
Just Added: Can’t Miss Main Street Now 2024 Experiences
Register for Main Street Now 2024!
We are excited to announce details about this year's Main Idea session and a special screening of a new documentary–two experiences that you can only find at the 2024 Main Street Now Conference in Birmingham, Alabama, May 6-8.
Register today and join fellow commercial district revitalization leaders from across the country for three days of insightful education sessions, unique special events, immersive mobile workshops, and memorable experiences in the Magic City. From downtowns in rural places to commercial corridors in cities, the Main Street Now Conference offers time-tested approaches, new techniques, and opportunities to exchange ideas designed to help your team address pressing issues impacting your community.
Discounts and special rates are available to Main Street America members, civic leaders, and students. For additional savings, register by the early bird or regular online deadlines (outlined below).
Early Bird (by March 11*): $465 Member | $635 Non-Member
Regular (by April 26*): $565 Member | $735 Non-Member
On-Site: $775 Member, Non-Member
One Day: $399
Student: $200
Civic Leader: $199
Conference Merch
The official 2024 Main Street Now Conference t-shirt is available in unisex sizing and features a tribute to iconic BHAM landmarks, sites, and points of interest, plus conference activities that you can only experience in The Magic City.
Pre-sales end on March 11. A limited supply of shirts will also be available at the Main Street America booth in the Expo Hall. Add yours to your registration today!
Conference room blocks at the Westin Birmingham and Sheraton Birmingham hotels have reached capacity. We are working with both hotels to potentially add additional rooms. If you are interested in booking a reservation at these hotels, you may check the booking links periodically as rooms may become available due to cancellations.
To avoid uncertainty in securing accommodations, we highly recommend checking out room blocks that are available at the Redmont Hotel Birmingham and the Historic Tutwiler Hotel-Hampton Inn & Suites, each located within walking distance from the Birmingham Jefferson Convention Complex. Learn more about hotels and travel options here >
Session Spotlights
Shuttlesworth Documentary Screening and Q&A
Monday, May 6
Tickets: $5, includes lunch. Pre-registration required.
Join us for a special lunchtime screening of the critically acclaimed documentary, Shuttlesworth. Featuring exclusive interviews with Reverend Fred Shuttlesworth, family members, and colleagues, the film examines Shuttlesworth’s crucial contributions to the Civil Rights Movement which, in turn, helped amplify the integral role that Birmingham played as the catalyst in propelling the movement onto the national stage. After the screening, we will be joined for a discussion and Q&A with producers, T. Marie King and J. Winston. Watch a preview of the documentary >
Main Idea Session with Dr. Mindy Fullilove
Monday, May 7
Included with registration.
We are excited to announce that Erin Barnes, Main Street America President and CEO, will host the Main Idea session with special guest Dr. Mindy Fullilove. In this fireside-style chat hear how well-designed, equitable spaces can create more connection to place and people, which can catalyze healing for communities that have experienced disinvestment. The Main Idea session is generously sponsored by the Philip A. Morris Fund for the Design Arts, a fund at the Community Foundation of Greater Birmingham. Learn more about Dr. Mindy Fullilove >
Mobile workshops offer immersive learning experiences and unique opportunities to experience Birmingham and surrounding communities. Space is limited and is available on a first-come, first-served basis. Mobile workshops are reaching capacity quickly–add a workshop (or two) to your registration today! Keep reading for today's recommendations. Preview all mobile workshops here >
Food Sustainability in an Urban Area- Birmingham | Tour the Jones Valley Teaching Farm's community garden, farm center, and plots that community gardeners lease. Learn how the farm uses vibrant outdoor learning spaces and food as a foundation for creating opportunities for young people to lead, create, and grow a healthy future for themselves and their community.
Main Streets in Shelby County - Calera, Columbiana & Montevallo | Learn how these three cities have leveraged resources, fostered partnerships, and successfully implemented adaptive reuse projects to expand and promote public art, create festivals, and successfully blend diverse community identities to build vibrant business districts offering something for everyone.
Rebuilding Neighborhoods and Making Good Health Simple - Birmingham | Tour two Live HealthSmart Alabama (LHSA) demonstration zones in the city of Birmingham, Bush Hills, and East Lake. Hear from LHSA advocates and leaders, explore the improved facilities, and observe the Mobile Wellness Van and the Mobile Market in action.
The Power of Collaboration in East Alabama - Anniston, Heflin & Oxford | Explore three historic districts that are physically, financially, and culturally distinct. Learn how each city has invested in civic infrastructure projects that have increased foot traffic and spurred significant private investment, as well as civic pride.
Celebrate
Big Bash at Sloss Furnaces
Celebrate the closing of Main Street Now 2024 with a party at Sloss Furnaces, one of Birmingham’s unique historic landmarks. Join friends and colleagues for hors d'oeuvres, beverages, entertainment, and dancing while you immerse yourself in the Magic City’s industrial ironworks heritage. You don’t want to miss this Big Bash experience! Space is limited and tickets are selling fast. Purchase your ticket during registration or add it on to your existing registration by clicking the link included in your confirmation email.
Whether you’ve mastered foundational Main Street Approach principles or developed an innovative initiative—we want to hear from you! Submit your proposal for an education session at the 2026 Main Street Now Conference. Proposals are due September 5, 2025.
Learn best practices and real-world insights to develop sustainable revitalization strategies, plus get your community’s latest market data—a $750 value—at the 2025 Community Transformation Workshop, in Columbia and Hartsville, South Carolina, October 13-15. Registration closes on September 29. Space is limited. Don't wait!
From interactive self-paced courses and immersive in-person workshops, the Academy offers practical, engaging, and flexible learning experiences designed to help you grow your impact, sharpen your skills, and lead with confidence. We invite you to join us as we embark on this bold new chapter—start exploring the Academy today!