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This article was originally published in Public Management magazine’s August 2016 issue, and is reposted here with permission from ICMA. View the original article at icma.org/pm.
Over the course of the past decade, America’s downtowns have experienced a renaissance, with boomers and millennials choosing to live in communities that are walkable and that provide distinctive character and diverse amenities. This is true for the biggest of counties and smallest of towns.
But even with these powerful demographic forces at work, downtowns and neighborhood commercial districts can still face an uphill battle. Achieving the right mix of housing, retail, restaurants, transportation, green space, and more is a complicated calculus.
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.
Vibrant downtowns—like Lake City, Colorado (www.lakecitydirt.com); Woodbine, Iowa (www.woodbineia.org/main-street); or Birmingham, Alabama (www.revbirmingham.org)—are successful because of long-term, strategic, tactical growth and management.
Over the past 35 years one tool in particular—the Main Street Approach—has helped communities to effectively organize, execute, and achieve their vision for success downtown.
The Main Street Approach, and indeed the Main Street movement, grew out of rising concerns in the late 1970s and early 80s that the increasing suburbanization of the American landscape and urban renewal efforts were doing irreparable harm to downtowns and their older and historic structures.
Harnessing a unique mixture of professional downtown management and volunteer engagement, the program offered a way forward for communities. It helped them prevent or reverse deterioration of the character of downtowns and commercial districts by focusing comprehensively on the overall health of these areas.
While Main Street-style revitalization has always looked slightly different depending on the local context, successful downtowns typically have one thing in common: They have pursued revitalization strategies that are comprehensive in scope.
There is no quick fix or single project that can turn a downtown around. Successful place management and transformation can only be achieved through forward-looking strategies, a comprehensive focus, and work across these four key areas:
Development of targeted economic development strategies that improve the mix and vitality of downtown businesses, cultural institutions, and housing.
The pursuit of quality design, including improving transit accessibility and walkability, as well as building rehabilitation and façade improvements.
Marketing of the district, including the development of a distinct branding and programming for the area to attract shoppers and visitors.
The successful development of a professionally managed downtown organization—whether that entity is housed with a city or county, or is a stand-alone nonprofit.
Main Street America’s long-standing revitalization strategy, called the Four Point Approach, offers a critical playbook that corresponds to each of these four areas of focus—economic vitality, design, promotions, and organization—enabling local leaders, downtown managers, and volunteers to take revitalization into their own hands.
Over the past 35 years, this approach has been used in more than 2,000 communities, generating nearly $65.6 billion in downtown reinvestment—often in downtowns and neighborhood commercial districts that have faced significant disinvestment and decline (see Figure 1).
A refreshed version of the Main Street Approach was launched last fall and is in beta mode now. It’s aimed at helping communities of all sizes embrace a more strategic, outcome-oriented approach to revitalization.
Fundamentals of the Main Street Approach remain the same, but there is increased focus on long-term economic transformation and helping local leaders to strategically organize their efforts to achieve tangible, measurable goals.
Since implementation of the Main Street Approach makes use of professional downtown managers and mobilizes volunteers, it can substantially lessen the burden on local government to “turn around downtown” or reinvigorate fledgling neighborhood commercial districts.
In successful communities, however, lasting revitalization depends on strong partnerships and coordination between the Main Street organization, local government, and small business owners. Modest financial support from local government, combined with small business sponsorships and event-generated revenue, are needed to sustain downtown improvement efforts.
Where special district financing is available, it can be particularly effective at generating a sustainable revenue stream for revitalization work.
What does Main Street revitalization look like in practice? Communities using the Main Street Approach come in all stripes, from the bustling H Street NE corridor in Washington, D.C.; to the scenic college town of Milledgeville, Georgia; to rural Rawlins, Wyoming.
As different as they are, each of these places has used Main Street as a framework to guide inclusive, strategic, and effective revitalization efforts.
The H Street NE corridor, for example, has undergone dramatic transformation since the mid-20th century. Disinvestment, segregation, violence, and high-vacancy rates all posed serious challenges to this neighborhood that, at one time, was a major hub of African American culture and industry in the city.
While the District of Columbia is now one of the hottest real estate markets in the country, H Street’s dramatic resurgence is not simply attributable to the city’s overall economic boom. The commercial district, with the support and leadership of this H Street Main Street program, has strategically navigated the forces of new development, gentrification, and preservation using Main Street as a guide.
Today, H Street NE is a diverse, lively neighborhood filled with a mix of historic character, local flavor, and new development. It has become a destination for residents from other neighborhoods, while still managing to support a mixed-income population and diverse group of business owners.
Main Street Director Anwar Saleem sees his role—and that of the H Street Main Street Program (HSMS)—as the community’s go-to resource for residents, business owners, and developers.
“HSMS has been the on-the-ground and accessible clearinghouse of relevant information about proposed or pending development projects,” says Saleem. He notes that the success of the H Street District is related directly to intensive engagement with the community and partnership building with local businesses.
"'Traditional approaches’ [to economic development] are very distant into the past now, since we have actively engaged residents and the business community for 14 years now about the need for growth and managed change.”
While different in scale, the revitalization challenges in smaller, more traditional Main Street-style communities can be equally challenging, and require strategic goal setting and strong leadership. Rawlins, Wyoming (population 9,200), like rural communities across the country, faced significant economic challenges in the late 1990s and early 2000s.
Since adopting Main Street in 2006, Rawlins has brought the downtown vacancy rate down to 10 percent from 45 percent and leveraged local community involvement, amounting to more than 7,000 volunteer hours.
While maintaining the town’s historic character and charm is a key priority, the leaders at the Rawlins Downtown Development Authority/Main Street program are not relying on charm alone to shape the future of the community. The Main Street program, for example, was instrumental in helping to open the Rainbow Te-Ton Entrepreneur Center (RTEC).
Situated partly in an old hotel—once known locally as the “pigeon hotel” for its state of disrepair—the RTEC now gives fledgling businesses a chance to share expenses and ideas with one another. It offers conference and training rooms, virtual office space, and monthly business classes.
And it works: The center has generated 200 new jobs and 28 new businesses downtown. This innovative reuse of a historic building, dedication to fostering local entrepreneurship, and clear economic impact are illustrative of the way Main Street can help small communities live up to their full potential.
On the other side of the country, Milledgeville, Georgia (population 19,401), serves as yet another example of how Main Street communities can tap into local resources, build partnerships, and build on their history to ensure a strong future.
The Milledgeville Main Street program is nearing its 30th year in the program and has continuously built on its successes to ensure the downtown is an inviting, economically thriving, and diverse destination. Since its founding in 1988, the Milledgeville Main Street program has helped generate 394 jobs and 89 building rehabs, as well as bringing in 154 net new businesses and adding 22 downtown housing units—all while reducing the vacancy rate from 50 percent to 8 percent and tapping into a network of thousands of local volunteers of all ages.
While this success alone is testament to the strength of Milledgeville’s program, Milledgeville is embracing change and is an early adopter of an updated version of the Main Street Approach. Carlee Schulte, director of the Milledgeville Main Street program, attributes the Main Street “refresh” with helping her program to “envision our downtown in a way that makes for easier and more strategic planning for the future. We now have a tool with which to identify our unique strengths and leverage them for invaluable community ownership and identity.”
Thus, what makes a place like Milledgeville or H Street or Rawlins work and what makes them thrive is precisely what sets them apart from other places—their authenticity, their distinct vision, and their residents. What unites them is a shared commitment to partnership building, strategic growth, and community engagement.
At its core, this commitment is what Main Street is about. While preserving authentic character, harnessing the value of historic buildings, and helping communities get started on their revitalization efforts are all important components of what Main Street does, the work is never really done.
Even the most successful Main Street programs in communities that are seen by standard metrics as successful, are constantly confronted with change. Managing that change is just as important and central to what Main Street does as getting started.
As the field of community development and revitalization shifts to respond to new trends and challenges (think: housing, transit-oriented development, the rise of online commerce, sustainability, brownfields remediation, and more), Main Street continues to be a tool that helps local government leaders adapt to and make the most of these changes. Main Street always has been, and continues to be, a movement of the future.
For more information on Main Street America and for details on how to get your community involved, visit mainstreet.org.
This article was originally published in Public Management magazine’s August 2016 issue, and is reposted here with permission from ICMA. View the original article at icma.org/pm.
Tell us your Main Street success story and how you leverage the Main Street Approach to catalyze people-led positive change in your community for the chance to be recognized as a Great American Main Street. Apply by July 11.
Main Street America is pleased to announce that 1,172 programs across the country have achieved designation as Main Street America programs in recognition of their commitment to preservation-based economic development and community revitalization through the Main Street Approach™.
Join us in celebrating the 11 Main Street leaders who have most recently earned this prestigious credential and the Main Street movement's highest level of professional development achievement in grassroots revitalization efforts.
Meet the recipients of the 2025 GM on Main Street grants!
Key takeaways from six sessions at the 2025 Main Street Now Conference.
Erin Barnes explores the ways that Main Street programs are built to last, and how we can recognize this durability in the places we love and the organizations we steward.
Main Street America is proud to recognize Denison Main Street, Jefferson Matters, and Raton MainStreet as 2025 Great American Main Street Award winners. All three organizations serve as exemplary models for resiliency, creative placemaking, and commitment to preservation-based economic development.
Learn more about registration rates and hear three reasons why you should act now to join us in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, April 7-9, for our movement's biggest event of the year.
Independence Hall © Sean Pavone/iStock
Learn how Philadelphia celebrates its rich historical legacy and built environment to create a more sustainable future.
This year's conference is packed with everything local leaders need to take their downtown district stewardship efforts to the next level. Register by Monday, March 31 to lock in the regular rate.
Gayborhood Rainbow Crosswalk © M. Fischetti for VISIT PHILADELPHIA
Our featured speakers lineup includes local leaders and industry experts sharing first-hand insights about creating a sustainable movement where everyone can fully participate and thrive.
2024 Main Street Now Conference © Tosha Gaines Photography
Main Street America is thrilled to announce the 12 Science Discovery on Main Street grant program recipients.
If you are a civic leader passionate about strengthening your community's downtown district, then you must check out the 2025 Main Street Now Conference in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, April 7-9. Check out these four reasons why.
2024 Main Street Now Conference © Alicia Gallo
Rooted in foundational topics and inspired by feedback from the Main Street network, this year’s schedule is bursting with opportunities to connect, learn, and celebrate. Check it out!
© Tosha Gaines Photography
The Early Bird rate for the 2025 Main Street Now Conference expires on Tuesday, February 4. Act now to save up to $310 on registration to our movement's can't-miss event of the year!
Independence Hall © Sean Pavone/iStock
The Main Street Now 2025 mobile workshops offer something for everyone! Some have already sold out, but opportunities to enhance your conference experience and bring time-tested techniques and creative solutions back to your community abound with these great excursions.
We invite all local Main Street program directors, managers, and executive leaders to take our 2025 Main Street Directors Survey. Make your voice heard, gain valuable insights, and help shape the future of Main Street. Take the survey by February 6.
Raton, New Mexico © Patricia Duran
Learn about the early federal advocacy that advanced the Main Street Approach from a pilot program to a national initiative.
Have New Year's resolutions? Meet all your professional development goals and find the tools to achieve your organization's plans for the year ahead at the 2025 Main Street Now Conference!
Beyond the Bell Tours
Associate Research Analyst Aoife Harte shares her experience attending the 2024 Community Transformation Workshop.
Join your peers from across the Main Street network and experts in commercial district stewardship for three days of connection, learning, and celebration in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, April 7-9. Get a jump start on your registration and hotel reservations today!
Independence Hall © Sean Pavone/iStock
Join us in celebrating the amazing achievements of the Maine Downtown Center!
We are excited to welcome Lynda Tran, Tyrone Rachal, and Mary Helmer Wirth to the Main Street America Board of Directors
Once you have you have your new transformation strategy, how do you put it into action? Learn how to adjust your work plans, align your budget, and get buy-in for a successful transformation strategy.
Join host Matt Wagner for his conversation with Mallory Dabney, owner of Heyday, a home goods store in Bozeman, Montana.
Join host Matt Wagner for his conversation with Patrick Jackowski and Matt Horne, the duo behind Firehouse Coffee 1881, a thriving coffee shop housed in a firehouse in historic Fort Monroe, a decommissioned military compound located in Hampton, Virginia.
Senior Program Officer Lisa Mullins Thompson shares her experiences attending the 2024 Next City Vanguard Conference.
In this episode, Matt reveals the data-driven trends that will define the 2024 holiday shopping season—and shows you exactly how to leverage them for your small business.
Join us in celebrating the incredible accomplishments of exceptional leaders shaping the Main Street Movement by nominating your organization’s stellar director, board member, or volunteer for the prestigious Mary Means Leadership Award. The nomination portal is open through Friday, December 6.
Mark your calendar for the 2025 Main Street Now Conference in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, from April 7-9! Join your peers from across the Main Street network and experts in commercial district stewardship for insightful education sessions, unique special events, immersive mobile workshops, and incredible experiences.
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania © f11photo/iStock
Join host Matt Wagner as he welcomes Kaycee McCoy, co-owner and creative lead at Pawsnickety Pets in Norfolks, Virginia. Kaycee and her best friend, Shizuka Benton, launched the all-natural and organic pet supply business in Norfolk at the start of the pandemic, but have used their combined talents to keep the business growing and thriving over the last four years.
Join host Matt Wagner as he welcomes David West, director of Premier Retail Marketing and based in Adelaide, South Australia.
Meet the 2025 Great American Main Street Award Semifinalists! This year’s semifinalists demonstrate exceptional achievements in reenergizing their downtowns through inclusive, collaborative organizing and innovative economic development, arts and culture, and historic preservation initiatives.
It is important to make sure that the growth of your community does not result in displacement or marginalization. Putting equity at the core of your transformation strategy helps you work towards measures of success that benefit everyone.
Due to unprecedented demand, we've added an additional 5 spots and a waitlist for our Community Transformation Workshop in Iowa. Register today to take advantage of this opportunity to invest in your ability to develop solutions for your downtown and create transformation strategies that work.
Volunteers help make streetscape improvements in Nevada, Iowa. © Main Street Nevada
This summer, our archetypes intern explored different types of Main Streets and the unique challenges and opportunities that they face.
There are only a few spaces still available for this intensive high impact, hands-on learning experience for place professionals. Register today and join us in Des Moines & Nevada, Iowa, from October 15-16, to gain tools to develop real world solutions for your downtown district. Registration closes September 27, or once capacity is reached.
LaCrosse Community Pride shares how they use the Main Street Approach to make a significant impact in a town of less than 300 people.
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.
The deadline to nominate your community for the Main Street Movement's most prestigious award is Friday, July 26–just a few days away. Now is the time to put finishing touches on your application!
Join us in Des Moines & Nevada, Iowa, from October 15-16, for this intensive high impact, hands-on learning experience for place professionals and boost your ability to lead catalytic projects in your community. Space is limited! Registration closes September 27, or once capacity is reached.
Events create opportunities for the community to gather in downtown Nevada, Iowa. © Linda Wendt
With just two weeks until applications are due, now is the time to gather images, edit responses, and rewatch the informational webinar. Seize this moment to apply for the Main Street Movement’s greatest honor! The application portal is open through Friday, July 26.
Learn how the 2024 GAMSA winners celebrated this exciting achievement and the impact that the Great American Main Street Award has had on their work and their communities.
Join us for a three-part webinar series revisiting some of the most popular sessions from the 2024 Main Street Now Conference. Experts from across the network will share their knowledge and practical information on a range of perennial Main Street topics.
Speakers kick-off a session at Main Street Now 2024. © Alicia Gallo
Last year, we announced upcoming changes to the Main Street America Institute. We are excited to provide an update on those changes and a sneak peek at what you can expect in the future.
Join us for free webinars revisiting some of the most popular sessions from the 2024 Main Street Now Conference. Experts from across the network will share their knowledge and practical information on a range of perennial Main Street topics.
How to Measure Downtown Impact session at Main Street Now 2024 © Molly Alexander
Registration for this high impact, hands-on learning experience for place professionals interested in gaining tools, skills, and techniques necessary to address complex revitalization initiatives will open in July. Read to learn more and add the 2024 Community Transformation Workshop in Des Moines & Nevada, Iowa, to your calendar.
Has your Main Street program made significant strides in realizing your community’s vision for its downtown? Do your projects and programs serve as models for comprehensive, preservation-based commercial district revitalization? If this sounds like you, then you could be a candidate for the 2025 Great American Main Street Award! The application portal is open through Friday, July 26.
Macon, Georgia © Mike Young Photography
Jackie Swihart spoke with Abby Huff at Indiana Main Street about their recent experience utilizing Main Street America's transformation strategies workshops.
The MSARP credential is the highest level of achievement offered through the Main Street America Institute, requiring dedication to completing a rigorous curriculum. Join us in celebrating eight Main Street leaders who have most recently achieved this prestigious credential!
Erin Barnes shares her reflections from the 2024 Main Street Now Conference in Birmingham, Alabama.
Main Street America is proud to recognize NewTown Macon, Madison Main Street Program, and Monroeville Main Street as 2024 Great American Main Street Award winners. All three organizations serve as exemplary models for reenergizing downtown districts through collective action that fosters vibrant downtowns through grassroots economic development, preservation with a purpose, and creative problem solving
Main Street Alabama is thrilled to welcome Main Streeters to Birmingham for Main Street Now 2024. As you build out your personal agenda, make sure to also make time to explore our amazing host city. Check out this roundup of some local favorites for you to explore between conference sessions, activities, and celebrations.
“It’s Nice to Have You in Birmingham” mural by Creighton Tynes © Bham Now
We are proud to announce that 1,188 programs have achieved designations as Main Street America programs in recognition of their commitment to preservation-based economic development and community revitalization through the Main Street Approach™, and that local programs generated $5.68 billion in local reinvestment in 2023.
In just two weeks local leaders will convene in Birmingham, Alabama, for the 2024 Main Street Now Conference from May 6-8. Online registration at the regular rate ends on Friday, April 26. Act now to secure your spot and keep reading to get the latest recommendations for an unforgettable experience.
Urban Impact Inc., harnesses strategic investments and collaborative efforts to foster a vibrant and sustainable future, from visionary adaptive reuse ventures to transformative development grants for small businesses and property owners in Birmingham, Alabama's historic 4th Avenue Black Business District.
Online registration and the regular rate are available through Friday, April 26. Download the conference mobile app, sign-up for the attendee webinar, grab some Shop Main Street merch, get recommendations, and more!
With just a little over a month to go until we convene in Birmingham, Alabama, for the 2024 Main Street Now Conference from May 6-8, we are excited to announce that the full schedule is available online and the mobile app is ready for download.
From budgets and staffing to programming priorities and the myriad of backgrounds that bring people to Main Street, the insights and key findings from this year's trends survey provide a snapshot of the state of the Main Street Movement.
REV Birmingham and Woodlawn United share how they work to reenergize spaces and places in Birmingham, Alabama, through civic infrastructure projects in the city’s historic commercial corridors.
With a specially priced registration rate of $199, tailored education track, free lunch & learn session, and abundant networking opportunities, Main Street Now 2024 is made for civic leaders passionate about community preservation and economic development in historic downtowns and neighborhood commercial corridors.
Kelly Ingram Park © Greater Birmingham CVB
Register by March 11 to lock in big savings with the early bird rate!
Join us in Birmingham, Alabama, May 4-5, 2024, for one of Main Street America Institute’s highest rated and recommended workshops!
Downtown Birmingham, Alabama © Sean Pavone/iStock
Opportunities to experience time-tested Main Street Approach techniques and creative solutions in action abound in Birmingham with these great excursions.
Oxford, Alabama © City of Oxford, Alabama
Last chance to make your voice heard with Main Street America's 2024 Main Street Trends Survey!
Meet the recipients of the 2024 round of GM on Main Street grants.
Check out these new experiences at the 2024 Main Street Now Conference in Birmingham, Alabama.
Birmingham skyline from Railroad Park. © Sean Pavone/iStock
Join us in Birmingham, Alabama, May 4-5, 2024, for one of Main Street America Institute’s highest rated and recommended workshops!
Meet Main Street America's new Board Chair, Jess Zimbabwe.
Contribute your perspective to our annual survey of the Main Street Movement.
Check out some of the highlights of the many sessions that will be offered at the 2024 Main Street Now Conference.
Woodlawn Market Place © Nathan Watson/Bham Now
Join us in Birmingham, Alabama, on May 6-9 for the 2024 Main Street Now Conference!
Recognize the exceptional Main Street leader in your community with this prestigious award.
From housing to small business and more, read the best blogs we shares in 2023!
Florence, SC © Phil Eich
Starting in early 2024, we will engage in an intensive program assessment of MSAI. We look forward to bringing an enhanced Main Street professional development experience to the network later in the year.
Meet the communities who received a T-Mobile Hometown Grant to support community-driven placemaking initiatives.
Recognize an exception leader in your community with this prestigious Main Street award.
Get ready for three days of education sessions, special events, mobile workshops, and opportunities to explore "The Magic City."
Recognize an exceptional leader in your community with this prestigious Main Street award!
We spoke with Erin Barnes to learn more about her passions and interests and explore her plans for the Movement.
Main Streeters gathered for the Community Transformation Workshop to explore strategies to advance their work.
Meet the new officers and new members, and give thanks to the outgoing members on Main Street America's leadership council.
Ostego, MI
Founded in 2003 and currently housed within the Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC), Michigan Main Street (MMS) recently celebrated 20 years of impact across 41 communities.
Boyne City, MI © Michigan Main Street
Don't miss your chance to submit a proposal for a session at the 2024 Main Street Now conference!
Meet the latest recipients of this community development grant program.
Erin Barnes shares her neighborhood and invites other Main Streeters to share theirs.
Congratulations to these exceptional Main Street programs!
Don't miss your chance to submit a proposal for the 2024 Main Street Now conference!
Don't miss your chance to share your expertise with attendees in Birmingham, Alabama!
Leaders from a Virginia Main Street program traveled to South Carolina to learn from another award-winning community.
© Jenny Boulware
This three-week live, online course will prepare local leaders to more effectively work with small business owners in their districts and create an environment that is supportive of entrepreneurship.
© Notice Pictures
Don't miss your opportunity to participate in this exciting educational opportunity!
We are excited to announce that Erin Barnes has been chosen as our next President and CEO. Learn more about her career.
The recordings of our Summer School Webinar Series are now available in the Knowledge Hub!
Don't miss your opportunity to showcase your community's achievements!
Learn how you can harness design principles and strategies to create a cooler, more welcoming downtown.
Join us for a three-part webinar series revisiting some of the most popular sessions from the 2023 Main Street Now Conference
Don't miss your opportunity to showcase your community's achievements!
Sheridan, WY © Downtown Sheridan Association
Join us for a three-part webinar series revisiting some of the most popular sessions from the 2023 Main Street Now Conference
Meet the newest recipients of the T-Mobile Hometown Grants, reaching a milestone of 200 towns impacted by the program.
Nominate your community for this prestigious award recognizing excellence in commercial district revitalization.
Sheridan, WY © Downtown Sheridan Association
We are excited to share a recent collaboration with Spark! Places of Innovation, a traveling exhibition curated by the Smithsonian Institution’s Museum on Main Street program.
Washington, D.C. © Rizka
Learn how to tackle complex revitalization scenarios with our Community Transformation Workshop, October 2-3 in Vancouver, WA.
Vancouver, WA © Vancouver Downtown Association
Thinking about applying for the 2024 Great American Main Street Award? Tune in to the application webinar on June 21!
Florence, SC © Downtown Florence Main Street Program
We are excited to welcome Jenice Contreras to the Main Street America Board of Directors. Jenice has a long record of leadership across community and economic development with deep experience with equitable growth, small-scale development, and cultural preservation.
Cleveland, OH © DJ Johnson
Join Main Street America experts in Vancouver, Wash., to gain first-hand experience in harnessing transformation strategies to successfully revitalize your Main Street!
Vancouver, WA © Vancouver Downtown Association
We are excited to announce that 862 Main Street programs across the country have earned Accredited status, Main Street America’s top level of recognition.
Metuchen, NJ © Lauren Beischer
The MSARP credential is the highest level of achievement offered through the Main Street America Institute, requiring dedication to completing a rigorous curriculum of online courses, readings, assignments, workshops, and a challenging final exam.
Over the course of three days, nearly 1900 Main Streeters from near and far gathered for dynamic educational sessions, immersive mobile workshops, and network-building activities.
Check out our new shop featuring clothing and apparel, accessories, home and office goods, and kids’ and baby items inspired by the Main Street Movement.
Main Street America is proud to recognize John Bry, Program Coordinator at Main Street Oakland County (MSOC) in Michigan, as the 2023 Mary Means Leadership Award recipient.
Meet the three communities who were honored with this prestigious award!
There is so much to see, learn, explore, taste, and enjoy across our neighborhood districts. Welcome to Boston!
Explore the resiliency and future-focused mindset of Roslindale Village Main Street, one of the first urban Main Street Programs in the nation.
Preview a selection of the 12 unique mobile workshops on offer at Main Street Now 2023 in Boston, Massachusetts.
A vendor serves beverages at the Roslindale Summer Farmers Market in 2022. © Bruce Spero Photography
We’re excited to announce a new suite of resources designed for Main Street! The Main Street Foundations Series provides an overview of each Point through four comprehensive introductory videos, one-page guides, materials from our resource center, and more.
From the ongoing pivots needed to meet changing community needs to the timeless power of place, these are the most popular blog posts we published this year.
Todd Wolford, executive director of Downtown Wytheville Inc and recipient of the 2022 Mary Means Leadership Award, reflects on his Main Street career.
Jackie Swihart, Program Officer for MSA, shares some key takeaways from the three-day event.
Laramie, WY © Main Street America
Illinois Main Street's work over the last 30 years and the exciting projects they are planning in the future.
Alton, IL © Alton Main Street
Learn how Main Streets from California to Florida have used Farmers Markets to transform their communities and achieve Main Street goals.
Outgoing President and CEO Patrice Frey closes out her tenure at Main Street America and transitions into a new role.
Main Street America congratulates our 2022 designated communities and explores the impact of the Main Street Movement.
Toccoa, GA © Steph Maley
Mary Means, founder of the Main Street Movement, reflects on her experiences at Main Street Now 2022 and shares advice for local leaders.
Meet Parramore, a historically African-American community in Orlando, Florida.
Orlando, FL © Tyla Harrington
Each week this Women's History Month, Main Street America is spotlighting the stories of women leaders in local and coordinating Main Street programs.
Each week this Women's History Month, Main Street America is spotlighting the stories of women leaders in local and coordinating Main Street programs.
Each week this Women's History Month, Main Street America is spotlighting the stories of women leaders in local and coordinating Main Street programs.
Each week this Women's History Month, Main Street America is spotlighting the stories of women leaders in local and coordinating Main Street programs.
Main Street America's partners in Chicago celebrate two years of training and technical assistance in the city.
Chicago, IL © Main Street America
Leverage NC, a partnership between North Carolina Main Street and the North Carolina League of Municipalities, hosted a four-part webinar series titled Better Community Planning & Economic Development led by Ed McMahon, Chair Emeritus of Main Street America and a leading national authority on land use policy and economic development.
After many zoom meetings, our road warriors are back visiting communities and providing technical assistance.
Washington, IA © Kathy La Plante
President and CEO Patrice Frey reflects on 2020 and the early events of 2021.
Florence, SC © True Light Photography
These 67 recipients from across the country ranged from bakeries and boutiques to salons and museums, but they all shared a commitment to the program's goals of responding and adapting to the COVID-19 pandemic and helping to revitalize and strengthen older and historic downtown commercial districts.
The Brookings Bass Center for Transformative Placemaking released a new series of research briefs focused on the role that place governance organizations, like Main Street programs, play in revitalizing rural downtowns and promoting equitable rural economic and community development.
Meet the latest graduates of our certificate program for leaders in commercial district revitalization.
Georgetown has developed a strong Downtown Master Plan that helps serve as a guide-point for planning efforts in downtown
Meet Sharon Jablonski, the Director of Morganton Main Street in Morganton, North Carolina, and the first recipient of the Mary Means Leadership Award.
Congratulations to these Main Street programs for their fantastic work!
Missouri Main Street Connection (MMSC) had the opportunity to take Missouri Executive Directors and other community representatives on the Iowa Community Expedition
In response, UrbanMain and Main Street Oakland County joined forces in March 2018 to assist Pontiac stakeholders in putting their downtown organization back on a positive track, making Pontiac the first community in Michigan to participate in the UrbanMain initiative.
American Express, the National Trust for Historic Preservation and Main Street America announced the winners of the 2018 Partners in Preservation: Main Streets campaign.
An essential component of the Main Street America Institute, the three-day in-person workshop gives participants hands-on tools to enact revitalization projects in their communities.
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 Hampton hosted a Food and Friends Farm-to-Table dinner at the Rustic Brew during Main Street Iowa Restaurant Week.
From community gathering spaces to retail incubators, from small towns to big cities – this year’s projects and communities are a testament to the diversity of Main Streets across the country.
Downtown Ames hosted a festival for the 46th annual RAGBRAI race (The Register's Annual Great Bike Ride Across Iowa).
You don’t need to be a big-name district to make a video that goes viral; you just need to know what you’re doing.
Matt Wagner, National Main Street Center's Vice President of Revitalization Programs, discusses competitive advantages, incrementalism and the power of the Main Street America network
Main Street Homer (Homer, Louisiana) was awarded a $25,000 A Community Thrives social impact grant from Gannett/USA Today Network to create an arts center with affordable artist studios and classroom/event space.
Nearly slated for demolition 30 years ago, downtown Cedar Falls has experienced an amazing transformation through its revitalization journey using the Main Street Approach.
Since starting as Executive Director, Todd has helped the organization achieve Virginia Main Street Designation Status and national Accreditation.
The National Main Street Center, Inc., announced Downtown Oregon City, Rock Springs Main Street/Urban Renewal Agency, and Howell Main Street as the 2018 Great American Main Street Award (GAMSA) winners during its annual conference in Kansas City, Missouri.
We rolled out four new Main Street America videos highlighting the power of the Main Street movement, Main Street Approach, economic impact of Main Street, and the incredible volunteers that make Main Street's grassroots network so effective.
Ridgefield Main Street is an energetic, up-and-coming Washington Main Street program located just north of Vancouver, Washington.
A series of small, incremental improvements, when taken together, provide momentum for long-term economic transformation and improved quality of life in a community.
Here's a bit of background on each of the communities. Read on for the Refresh Implementation Q&A.
The National Main Street Center, Inc. announced the 2017 Great American Main Street Award (GAMSA) during its annual conference in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.
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 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.
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.
Letter from past MSA President, Patrice Frey
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.
Back in October 2015, we introduced the three key components of the refreshed Main Street Approach: inputs, outputs and Community Transformation Strategies.
This need for change results from the heavy emphasis on three components of the refreshed Main Street Approach.
The 2016 winners are a diverse group in geography and character, but together demonstrate the broad applicability of the Main Street Approach:
The first official show under the Main Street Nation banner aired in June 2015 on WJR-760 AM Detroit.
The economic value of historic preservation on Main Street.
A series of demonstration projects providing the opportunity to test new strategies on the ground, learn from practitioners, and refine the approach.
A business retention and expansion plan, properly implemented, not only helps keep businesses open but possibly even helps them expand.
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.
Main Street Bartow's empty storefronts become pop-up art galleries to promote economic development.
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
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.
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.
