Main Street America
@mainstreetamerica.bsky.social
Main Street America has been helping strengthen and reenergize downtowns and neighborhood commercial districts for more than 45 years.
Pinned
Main Street America works in collaboration with thousands of grassroots leaders across the nation. Our signature approach helps local practitioners create and grow thriving economies, welcoming public spaces, and sustainable futures. Find a community near you: mainstreet.org/our-network/...
"Having our streets and storefronts chosen as the backdrop for Sinners was more than just exciting; it was a validation of the history and character we work so hard to preserve."
We explore how storytelling on screen can enrich Main Streets well after the credits roll. Read here: bit.ly/3KEzIUc
We explore how storytelling on screen can enrich Main Streets well after the credits roll. Read here: bit.ly/3KEzIUc
When Hollywood Comes to Main Street
Discover how historic downtowns across Louisiana saw economic and community benefits after they were featured in the film Sinners. The project spotlighted local architecture, employed community member...
bit.ly
October 7, 2025 at 5:27 PM
"Having our streets and storefronts chosen as the backdrop for Sinners was more than just exciting; it was a validation of the history and character we work so hard to preserve."
We explore how storytelling on screen can enrich Main Streets well after the credits roll. Read here: bit.ly/3KEzIUc
We explore how storytelling on screen can enrich Main Streets well after the credits roll. Read here: bit.ly/3KEzIUc
Fall foliage tourism brings big opportunities for Main Streets. Is your town ready for leaf peepers? We dive into the economics and strategy of fall foliage tourism: mainstreet.org/the-latest/n...
The Economics of Fall Foliage Tourism
Fall foliage tourism has a substantial economic impact on small towns and rural areas nationwide. Learn how Main Streets can leverage their leaves to boost their communities this fall.
mainstreet.org
September 9, 2025 at 5:23 PM
Fall foliage tourism brings big opportunities for Main Streets. Is your town ready for leaf peepers? We dive into the economics and strategy of fall foliage tourism: mainstreet.org/the-latest/n...
Grant programs are a great tool to deepen partnerships and support local projects, but launching one for the first time can be an intimidating and overwhelming process. Here are five tips to help you run a successful grant program. Read here: mainstreet.org/the-latest/n...
5 Tips for Running a Successful Grant Program
Our grantmaking team shares their advice to help you run a successful grant program and expand your impact in your community.
mainstreet.org
August 26, 2025 at 3:37 PM
Grant programs are a great tool to deepen partnerships and support local projects, but launching one for the first time can be an intimidating and overwhelming process. Here are five tips to help you run a successful grant program. Read here: mainstreet.org/the-latest/n...
"Nearly every Main Street director I’ve spoken to has a project, a plan, or a dream that they’d love to accomplish if they had access to the resources to make it happen." Read here: bit.ly/3V95JFE
Building Shared Priorities to Unlock Growth
Main Street America has partnered with the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation to explore the impact of the Capital Absorption Framework in Main Street communities in Virginia and Wisconsin.
bit.ly
August 20, 2025 at 7:28 PM
"Nearly every Main Street director I’ve spoken to has a project, a plan, or a dream that they’d love to accomplish if they had access to the resources to make it happen." Read here: bit.ly/3V95JFE
Meet Maxine Clark—entrepreneur, philanthropist, and Delmar Main Street board member—and hear Erin's takeaways from their conversation about Maxine's background in advocacy and business, her passion for her neighborhood, and the importance of resiliency and leadership.
mainstreet.org/the-latest/n...
mainstreet.org/the-latest/n...
Spotlight on a Main Street Board Member: The Visionary Spirit of Maxine Clark
Meet Maxine Clark—entrepreneur, philanthropist, and board member at Delmar Main Street in St. Louis, Missouri—and hear Erin's takeaways from their conversation about advocacy, resiliency, and leadersh...
mainstreet.org
August 7, 2025 at 4:04 PM
Meet Maxine Clark—entrepreneur, philanthropist, and Delmar Main Street board member—and hear Erin's takeaways from their conversation about Maxine's background in advocacy and business, her passion for her neighborhood, and the importance of resiliency and leadership.
mainstreet.org/the-latest/n...
mainstreet.org/the-latest/n...
This week is National Farmers' Market Week! The Downtown Maryville Market supports local businesses and brings people of all ages to their Main Street district. Learn how they built the market for an idea to a success: mainstreet.org/the-latest/n...
How a Fresh Start Revitalized Downtown Maryville’s Market Scene
Farmers markets are fantastic tools to support local businesses, drive traffic downtown, and build community connections. Learn how Downtown Maryville built their market from an idea to a success.
mainstreet.org
August 5, 2025 at 7:55 PM
This week is National Farmers' Market Week! The Downtown Maryville Market supports local businesses and brings people of all ages to their Main Street district. Learn how they built the market for an idea to a success: mainstreet.org/the-latest/n...
Main Streets are at their best when they bring people together. In Charles Town, West Virginia, the Main Street program has developed a unique event that invites people to get to know each other while walking and explore their community. Read here: mainstreet.org/the-latest/n...
Walking Together to Connect and Community
Charles Town Now brings people together with an event that celebrates the importance of nothing. Discover how they organized the event and its lasting impact on the community.
mainstreet.org
July 29, 2025 at 2:24 PM
Main Streets are at their best when they bring people together. In Charles Town, West Virginia, the Main Street program has developed a unique event that invites people to get to know each other while walking and explore their community. Read here: mainstreet.org/the-latest/n...
Main Streeters like to get things done. Amanda Lanata at Main Street Louisiana, explains how the tactical urbanism framework can help you secure quick wins and build momentum. Read here: mainstreet.org/the-latest/n...
Applying Tactical Urbanism on Main Streets
Amanda Lanata at Louisiana Main Street explains how communities can use tactical urbanism to get things done quickly.
mainstreet.org
July 22, 2025 at 4:45 PM
Main Streeters like to get things done. Amanda Lanata at Main Street Louisiana, explains how the tactical urbanism framework can help you secure quick wins and build momentum. Read here: mainstreet.org/the-latest/n...
"We need a broader range of [housing] products and price points for different demographics to tackle this issue."
We need to build downtown housing and amenities that support a variety of different household types. Read here: bloom.bg/4ktAEGR
We need to build downtown housing and amenities that support a variety of different household types. Read here: bloom.bg/4ktAEGR
Struggling Downtowns Are Looking to Lure New Crowds
Traditional business districts in cities like Chicago and Portland are still waiting for office workers to return. Can younger residents and families fill the gap?
bloom.bg
July 7, 2025 at 2:40 PM
"We need a broader range of [housing] products and price points for different demographics to tackle this issue."
We need to build downtown housing and amenities that support a variety of different household types. Read here: bloom.bg/4ktAEGR
We need to build downtown housing and amenities that support a variety of different household types. Read here: bloom.bg/4ktAEGR
How can we better support local entrepreneurs? Joi Cuartero Austin shares some key takeaways from the 2025 Global Entrepreneurship Congress in Indianapolis. Read here: mainstreet.org/the-latest/n...
Reflections from the Global Entrepreneurship Congress
Joi Cuartero Austin, Gustavo Ustariz, and Wendy Otero attended the Global Entrepreneurship Congress and shared their takeaways.
mainstreet.org
June 25, 2025 at 3:07 PM
How can we better support local entrepreneurs? Joi Cuartero Austin shares some key takeaways from the 2025 Global Entrepreneurship Congress in Indianapolis. Read here: mainstreet.org/the-latest/n...
Main Street businesses are emerging as a new form of civic infrastructure. Chief Innovation Officer Matt Wagner, Ph.D., shares how small businesses can combine intentionality and micro-community to support deep, durable connections. Read here: mainstreet.org/the-latest/n...
Plug-In Spaces - How Main Street Businesses Are Rewiring Civic Life
Learn how plug-in spaces promote social connections and foster community and connection.
mainstreet.org
June 24, 2025 at 8:45 PM
Main Street businesses are emerging as a new form of civic infrastructure. Chief Innovation Officer Matt Wagner, Ph.D., shares how small businesses can combine intentionality and micro-community to support deep, durable connections. Read here: mainstreet.org/the-latest/n...
This week, regions of the United States are under extreme heat warnings. Dangerous heat is an increasing problem for many communities, and Main Street design can play an active role in helping people stay cool, comfortable, and safe. Learn more: mainstreet.org/the-latest/n...
Beat the Heat This Summer Using Downtown Design
Learn how you can harness design principles and strategies to create a cooler, more welcoming downtown.
mainstreet.org
June 23, 2025 at 8:23 PM
This week, regions of the United States are under extreme heat warnings. Dangerous heat is an increasing problem for many communities, and Main Street design can play an active role in helping people stay cool, comfortable, and safe. Learn more: mainstreet.org/the-latest/n...
Reposted by Main Street America
Our final #CNU33 Main Stage session features Erin Barnes, President and CEO @mainstreetamerica.bsky.social + Mindy Fullilove, MD, author and social psychiatrist. They're sharing the transformative power of urban design to foster social connection and hopeful community resilience.
June 14, 2025 at 2:39 PM
Our final #CNU33 Main Stage session features Erin Barnes, President and CEO @mainstreetamerica.bsky.social + Mindy Fullilove, MD, author and social psychiatrist. They're sharing the transformative power of urban design to foster social connection and hopeful community resilience.
Small-scale manufacturing and local maker businesses offer many opportunities for Main Streets. Learn how the Downtown Neighborhood Association of Elgin, Illinois, worked with Recast City to grow their small-scale manufacturing ecosystem. Read here: mainstreet.org/the-latest/n...
Building Partnerships to Support Small-Scale Manufacturing in Elgin, Illinois
Learn how Elgin Downtown Neighborhood Association worked with Recast City to grow their small-scale manufacturing ecosystem.
mainstreet.org
June 12, 2025 at 5:12 PM
Small-scale manufacturing and local maker businesses offer many opportunities for Main Streets. Learn how the Downtown Neighborhood Association of Elgin, Illinois, worked with Recast City to grow their small-scale manufacturing ecosystem. Read here: mainstreet.org/the-latest/n...
June marks the beginning of hurricane season. In recent years, we have seen increasing intensity and far-reaching impacts from hurricanes and tropical storms. Here are six ways you can prepare your community and increase resiliency this storm season. Read here: bit.ly/3ZWKRUQ
Building Resiliency for Hurricane Season
June marks the beginning of hurricane season. Here are six things you can do to help prepare your community for the impacts of a natural disaster.
bit.ly
June 10, 2025 at 1:54 PM
June marks the beginning of hurricane season. In recent years, we have seen increasing intensity and far-reaching impacts from hurricanes and tropical storms. Here are six ways you can prepare your community and increase resiliency this storm season. Read here: bit.ly/3ZWKRUQ
Reposted by Main Street America
If you'll be in Providence for CNU 33 next week, don't miss the Saturday morning Main Stage Conversation, "Frameworks for Building Community," that Anthony is moderating with speakers Mindy Fullilove and Erin Barnes (@mainstreetamerica.bsky.social)
June 7, 2025 at 8:19 PM
If you'll be in Providence for CNU 33 next week, don't miss the Saturday morning Main Stage Conversation, "Frameworks for Building Community," that Anthony is moderating with speakers Mindy Fullilove and Erin Barnes (@mainstreetamerica.bsky.social)
Meet the Innovation Division! This new division will help us institutionalize processes, create feedback loops, and foster an innovative and entrepreneurial mindset across our network. Learn more: bit.ly/3HJ4klF
Introducing Our Innovation Division and Cultivating a Future-Focused Network Mindset
Main Street America is excited to introduce the Innovation Division and share some of our key focus areas and upcoming projects.
bit.ly
June 5, 2025 at 8:54 PM
Meet the Innovation Division! This new division will help us institutionalize processes, create feedback loops, and foster an innovative and entrepreneurial mindset across our network. Learn more: bit.ly/3HJ4klF
Summer is here! From ice cream shops and splash pads to farmers markets and concert series, Main Streets offer a wide variety of summer fun. What is your favorite summer spot, activity, or event in your downtown? ☀️🌻
June 5, 2025 at 4:32 PM
Summer is here! From ice cream shops and splash pads to farmers markets and concert series, Main Streets offer a wide variety of summer fun. What is your favorite summer spot, activity, or event in your downtown? ☀️🌻
Walkability is crucial for older communities. Research shows that a Complete Streets approach can improve safety for older adults, increasing their mobility and health. Learn more: bit.ly/3SD5JfZ
Complete Streets and Walkability Boost Older Pedestrian Safety
This Fact Sheet explores the relationship between community walkability and safety, especially among older adults.
bit.ly
June 4, 2025 at 6:13 PM
Walkability is crucial for older communities. Research shows that a Complete Streets approach can improve safety for older adults, increasing their mobility and health. Learn more: bit.ly/3SD5JfZ
June is Pride Month! LGBTQ+ business owners, workers, and customers play a significant role in economic vitality. Learn more about the economic impact of the LGBTQ+ community and how you can foster a more welcoming downtown: bit.ly/43pDJmg
The LGBTQ+ Community’s Role in Economic Vitality
LGBTQ+ business owners, workers, and customers have a significant impact on local economies. Learn how your community can foster belonging to support more inclusive economic growth.
bit.ly
June 3, 2025 at 6:14 PM
June is Pride Month! LGBTQ+ business owners, workers, and customers play a significant role in economic vitality. Learn more about the economic impact of the LGBTQ+ community and how you can foster a more welcoming downtown: bit.ly/43pDJmg
Does your Main Street have a park? How do you facilitate public gathering and community in your green spaces?
A well-designed #park offers something for everyone: to read, play, draw, work, eat, sports, exercises, and meet. The movable chairs facilitate all of this. It's #publicspace at its best.
📸 Gardin du Luxembourg, #Paris
@ppsplacemaking.bsky.social @sociallifeproject.bsky.social #placemaking #urbanism
📸 Gardin du Luxembourg, #Paris
@ppsplacemaking.bsky.social @sociallifeproject.bsky.social #placemaking #urbanism
June 3, 2025 at 2:54 PM
Does your Main Street have a park? How do you facilitate public gathering and community in your green spaces?
Reposted by Main Street America
🎉 Celebrate #WorldBicycleDay by diving into our 'Safe Bicycle Lane Design Principles' guide and learn how 394 regions worldwide reallocated road space to cyclists.
Let's make #cycling in cities safer and more efficient for all!
🔗 www.wri.org/research/saf...
Let's make #cycling in cities safer and more efficient for all!
🔗 www.wri.org/research/saf...
June 3, 2025 at 12:04 PM
🎉 Celebrate #WorldBicycleDay by diving into our 'Safe Bicycle Lane Design Principles' guide and learn how 394 regions worldwide reallocated road space to cyclists.
Let's make #cycling in cities safer and more efficient for all!
🔗 www.wri.org/research/saf...
Let's make #cycling in cities safer and more efficient for all!
🔗 www.wri.org/research/saf...
"What is good for the visitor is great for the employee, resident, and for business attraction."
With the rise of remote work, cities need to shift from attracting businesses to attracting workers. Read here: bloom.bg/4kKYs9M
With the rise of remote work, cities need to shift from attracting businesses to attracting workers. Read here: bloom.bg/4kKYs9M
The Line Is Blurring Between Remote Workers and Tourists
Economic development has fundamentally changed. Cities that figure out how to make visitors’ and residents’ lives easier are going to have a major competitive advantage.
bloom.bg
June 2, 2025 at 2:45 PM
"What is good for the visitor is great for the employee, resident, and for business attraction."
With the rise of remote work, cities need to shift from attracting businesses to attracting workers. Read here: bloom.bg/4kKYs9M
With the rise of remote work, cities need to shift from attracting businesses to attracting workers. Read here: bloom.bg/4kKYs9M
Do you want to help advocate for Main Street? We are monitoring several federal policy issues that may impact Main Streets, including the proposed federal budget, HTC-Go, and funding for State and Tribal Historic Preservation Offices. Learn more: mainstreet.org/the-latest/n...
Federal Policy Issues Affecting Main Streets
Main Street America is monitoring several federal policy issues that may impact Main Streets, including the proposed federal budget, HTC-Go, and funding for State and Tribal Historic Preservation Offi...
mainstreet.org
May 27, 2025 at 12:04 PM
Do you want to help advocate for Main Street? We are monitoring several federal policy issues that may impact Main Streets, including the proposed federal budget, HTC-Go, and funding for State and Tribal Historic Preservation Offices. Learn more: mainstreet.org/the-latest/n...
22% of Main Street leaders reported that vacant spaces were a top challenge. Vacancy is a complex problem for many Main Streets, but understanding its causes and the tools available to address it can help reduce vacancy in your downtown area. Read here: mainstreet.org/the-latest/n...
Understanding Vacancy and What You Can Do About It
Vacant properties are a significant problem for many Main Streets. Understanding the causes and leveraging incentive programs and regulatory changes can help create a more vibrant district.
mainstreet.org
May 20, 2025 at 7:53 PM
22% of Main Street leaders reported that vacant spaces were a top challenge. Vacancy is a complex problem for many Main Streets, but understanding its causes and the tools available to address it can help reduce vacancy in your downtown area. Read here: mainstreet.org/the-latest/n...