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

Marion, Iowa © Tasha Sams

About

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.

Overview Who We Are How We Work Partner Collaborations Our Supporters Our Team Job Opportunities 2025 Annual Report Contact Us
Two community members in Emporia Kansas pose with a sign saying "I'm a Main Streeter"

Emporia, Kansas © Emporia Main Street

Our Network

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.

Overview Coordinating Programs Main Street Communities Collective Impact Awards & Recognition Community Evaluation Framework Join the Movement
Dionne Baux and MSA partner working in Bronzeville, Chicago.

Chicago, Illinois © Main Street America

Resources

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!

Overview Knowledge Hub Field Services Government Relations Main Street Now Conference Main Street America Academy Funding Opportunities Small Business Support Allied Member Services Main Street Insurance Member Hub
People riding e-scooters in Waterloo, Iowa

Waterloo, Iowa © Main Street Waterloo

The Latest

Your one-stop-shop for all the latest stories, news, events, and opportunities – including grants and funding programs – across Main Street.

Overview News & Stories Events & Opportunities Subscribe
Woman and girl at a festival booth in Kendall Whittier, Tulsa, Oklahoma.

Kendall Whittier — Tulsa, Oklahoma © Kendall Whittier Main Street

Get Involved

Join us in our work to advance shared prosperity, create strong economies, and improve quality of life in downtowns and neighborhood commercial districts.

Overview Join Us Renew Your Membership Donate Partner With Us Job Opportunities
Three Main Street America Staff members standing in front of a mural in Marion, Iowa.

Marion, Iowa © Tasha Sams

About

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.

Overview Who We Are How We Work Partner Collaborations Our Supporters Our Team Job Opportunities 2025 Annual Report Contact Us
Two community members in Emporia Kansas pose with a sign saying "I'm a Main Streeter"

Emporia, Kansas © Emporia Main Street

Our Network

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.

Overview Coordinating Programs Main Street Communities Collective Impact Awards & Recognition Community Evaluation Framework Join the Movement
Dionne Baux and MSA partner working in Bronzeville, Chicago.

Chicago, Illinois © Main Street America

Resources

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!

Overview Knowledge Hub Field Services Government Relations Main Street Now Conference Main Street America Academy Funding Opportunities Small Business Support Allied Member Services Main Street Insurance Member Hub
People riding e-scooters in Waterloo, Iowa

Waterloo, Iowa © Main Street Waterloo

The Latest

Your one-stop-shop for all the latest stories, news, events, and opportunities – including grants and funding programs – across Main Street.

Overview News & Stories Events & Opportunities Subscribe
Woman and girl at a festival booth in Kendall Whittier, Tulsa, Oklahoma.

Kendall Whittier — Tulsa, Oklahoma © Kendall Whittier Main Street

Get Involved

Join us in our work to advance shared prosperity, create strong economies, and improve quality of life in downtowns and neighborhood commercial districts.

Overview Join Us Renew Your Membership Donate Partner With Us Job Opportunities
Group of young adults having a meeting at a coffee shop.

Get tools, templates, and strategies to foster board leadership. Photo by monkeybusinessimages 

Strong boards build strong Main Streets. But how do you develop and sustain effective governance, shared leadership, and accountability structures? Our Strong Boards for Sustainable Leadership course is here to help! Get a jumpstart on your 2026 organizational goals with this three-part, live instructor-led course starting January 14

About This Course

This course offers a comprehensive look at how effective governance, shared leadership, and clear accountability systems form the foundation of a thriving Main Street program. Whether you’re a Main Street director new to fostering board leadership or looking to refine established systems, this course will equip you with the tools, templates, and strategies needed to help your organization operate with confidence and clarity. 

When: Wednesdays, January 14, 21, and 28, 2:00 – 3:15 p.m. CT

Where: Virtual 

Price: $100 members, $150 non-members 

Registration: Open now through January 12. Act now to secure your seat! 

Key Takeaways:

  • Strengthen organizational clarity and reduce executive director burnout through practical governance strategies and shared leadership practices.
  • Implement effective board member recruitment and onboarding systems.
  • Enhance accountability structures to support transparency, compliance, and long-term organizational sustainability.
  • Improve collaboration, improve decision-making, and foster a culture of responsibility within board, committee, and staff teams.
  • Use templates, checklists, and practical tools to support fundraising, volunteer recruitment, and program impact storytelling. 

Ideal For:

  • Local Main Street executive directors seeking clarity and confidence
  • Board members committed to stronger governance 
  • Programs undergoing transition or growth
  • Organizations striving for transparency and accountability 

Instructor: Donna Ann Harris, MSARP, is the principal of Heritage Consulting Inc., a Philadelphia-based firm serving non-profit organizations and government agencies nationwide. Ms. Harris is an accomplished author, instructor, and presenter with 35 years of expertise in historic preservation, Main Street revitalization, and nonprofit leadership. 

Find the agenda, full course details, and registration form here > 
 

Notice

This is a preview version of the website. Some content may not be up to date.