Main Spotlight: How Rural Oklahoma Main Streets Have Weathered Change
Learns how rural places across Oklahoma have survived through booms and busts, and how they are leveraging the Main Street Approach to build sustainable and vibrant futures.
Marion, Iowa © Tasha Sams
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.
Emporia, Kansas © Emporia Main Street
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.
Chicago, Illinois © Main Street America
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!
Waterloo, Iowa © Main Street Waterloo
Your one-stop-shop for all the latest stories, news, events, and opportunities – including grants and funding programs – across Main Street.
Kendall Whittier — Tulsa, Oklahoma © Kendall Whittier Main Street
Join us in our work to advance shared prosperity, create strong economies, and improve quality of life in downtowns and neighborhood commercial districts.
Photo by True Light Photography
I am excited to share an important update on the relaunch of the Main Street America Revitalization Professional (MSARP) credential. To ensure the highest possible quality and a seamless learning experience, we are aiming to roll out the new MSARP program in early 2026.
While we originally planned this debut for December, this brief extension gives our team essential time to finalize the technology development work needed to deliver the world-class experience central to the Main Street America Academy’s mission. Our vision remains strong, our commitment unwavering — this timeline adjustment will ensure the new MSARP launches with the excellence and clarity our network deserves.
So, what does this mean for you right now?
Your ongoing engagement and professional growth are foundational to the strength of this credential and to the Main Street movement. Know that you are not behind and that we have crafted a plan that accounts for everyone’s ability to succeed in credential maintenance. We encourage you to continue following the certification maintenance process outlined during the August 2025 webinar. If you would like to access the recording and materials, please reach out to us directly at academy@mainstreet.org.
We love that you’re exploring the MSARP credential; we appreciate your enthusiasm and patience. In addition to self-guided courses readily available in the Academy, we have several upcoming live, instructor-led courses that will contribute to your MSARP progress. Keep an eye out!
We are building this next version of the MSARP with deep care, informed by your feedback, industry standards, and our long-term vision for professional excellence in the Main Street field. When it launches next year, it will open the door to a more flexible, accessible, and meaningful pathway to certification.
Thank you for your continued dedication to Main Street, for your trust in the Academy, and for your support as we bring this next evolution of the MSARP to life. Though our timeline has shifted, our vision has not — and we are thrilled to embark on this next chapter with you!