We are main street america

Three Main Street America Staff members standing in front of a mural in Marion, Iowa. — Marion, Iowa © Tasha Sams

Main Street America leads a collaborative movement with partners and grassroots leaders that advances shared prosperity, creates resilient economies, and improves quality of life through place-based economic development and community preservation in downtowns and neighborhood commercial districts across the country.

A Proven Track Record

For more than 40 years, Main Street America has helped to build economic power in downtowns and neighborhood commercial districts through our signature Main Street Approach™ framework. Founded as the National Main Street Center® in 1980, Main Street America has helped to generate over $115.27 billion in local reinvestment, rehab 345,801 buildings, create 815,894 new jobs, and start 181,647 new businesses in over 2,000 communities.

Covington, Kentucky staff members stand in front of a mural.

Main Street America

We Believe

Main Streets Are for everyone

Everyone should have access to an inclusive and resilient Main Street — a place that has a thriving local economy, is distinctive and rich in character, and features welcoming spaces and diverse businesses for residents and visitors alike. Main Street America models and champions this vision through our actions and programs. Learn more about our vision and steps we are taking to shape an inclusive future.

Who We Are

Main Street America has been helping strengthen and reenergize downtowns and neighborhood commercial districts for more than 40 years.

MSA Staff pose for a photo at a training in the summer of 2023 — Chicago, Illinois © Main Street America

How We Work

Main Street America is dedicated to supporting communities across the nation through our signature Main Street Approach and comprehensive programming.

Frankye Payne of MSA speaks at a bicycling event in Chicago, Illinois. — Chicago, Illinois © Oscar Sanchez

Partner Collaborations

Through strategic collaborations with generous partners, Main Street leaders and small business owners have access to resources, grants, educational opportunities, and more.

A group of people cutting a large red ribbon at the grand opening of a small business — Danville, Virginia © River District Association

Our Supporters

Main Street America’s generous partners and supporters help advance the Main Street movement.

Shop Small flags wave in the wind in Oceanside, California. — Oceanside, California © Road West Photography

Our Team

Our team is comprised of highly talented and passionate individuals dedicated to place-based economic development.

Main Street America staff members stand on stairs. — Atlanta, Georgia © Main Street America

Contact Us

Have questions? Our team is here to help you on your Main Street journey.

Staff members at the exhibitor hall at the Main Street Now Conference. — Boston, Massachusetts © Main Street America

Large sculpture consisting of three metal bands rising from the ground (left) and curving around a replica of a "Tulsa Route 66" sign (center). The sculpture is located in an open grassy area and is illuminated by ground lights. — Route 66 Rising Sculpture. Courtesy of Tyler Layne Photography

Main Street Now 2026

Tulsa, Oklahoma

Join local leaders and experts in commercial district stewardship from across the country for three days of learning, exploring, and connecting in Tulsa, Oklahoma, April 13 – 15! From inspiring plenaries to interactive activities, find time-tested approaches, new techniques, and opportunities to exchange ideas designed to help your team address pressing issues impacting your community.