All About Sustainability: Blogs and Resources
This month, we are spotlighting blogs and resources to help support the long-term sustainability of your organization.
Gain tools to turn plans into progress. Photo by Ellen Gailing
We’ve just added four new, self-guided Local Main Street Leader learning journey courses in the Main Street America Academy. From a deep dive into market analysis to strategies for building trust, each course is designed to support your abilities to launch your leadership efforts to the next level.
Meet Our Newest Courses
Market Analysis for Community Transformation
Discover how data and community insight shape stronger Main Streets. Through interactive examples and case studies, explore how to gather and interpret data, connect findings to your local context, and identify transformation strategies rooted in your district’s strengths. Gain practical tools to translate market analysis into confidence, clarity, and impact. I want to learn more >
Empowering Leadership & Shaping Organizational Culture
Designed for local Main Street leaders, this course helps you build trust, reduce burnout, and create balance by empowering others to lead alongside you. Explore real-world examples and stories from the field to learn how intentional leadership practices can transform everyday operations into a foundation for long-term resilience. Show me how >
Your Main Street Story in Action: Craft. Brand. Share.
Turn your Main Street story into action with strategies to craft, brand, and share it in ways that connect people and enhance the visibility of your district. From uncovering your community’s unique story to unlocking tools for crafting authentic messages that highlight results and emotion, learn how to communicate your program’s day-to-day work into stories that resonate. Add this to my roster >
Partnerships, Trust, and Community Influence
Strong Main Street leaders build more than programs — they build relationships. Explore how to form authentic partnerships, communicate with transparency, and shape public perception through trust and credibility. Through case examples and reflection activities, unlock actionable strategies and ready-to-use templates to strengthen your partnerships and lead with influence. I’m ready to dive in >
There’s more: Explore all 10 Launching courses of the Local Main Street Leader learning journey, and keep an eye out for more self-guided courses designed to support your growth, plus more live, instructor-led learning opportunities on special topics rolling out over the coming months.
About the Academy
From interactive self-paced courses and immersive in-person workshops, the Main Street America Academy offers practical, engaging, and flexible learning experiences designed to help you grow your impact, sharpen your skills, and lead with confidence.
Already a member? Access the Academy using your individual member account website login credentials, create your profile, and dive in.
Not a member yet? Sign up for the Academy. Many courses, resources, and articles are free.
Need help? Check out the FAQs.
Related News and Stories
This February in The Academy: Focus on Sustainability
From managing projects to supporting the people who are the heart of your efforts, sustainability is a crucial consideration for building a durable Main Street program. The Main Street America Academy is here to help! This month, we invite you to focus on sustainability with this curated collection of learning opportunities and resources.
Bardstown, Kentucky. Photo by Grizzly Media
New! Main Street America Board Handbook
A comprehensive overview of the Main Street Approach, board member fundamentals, and Main Street policies and procedures, as well as tools, resources, and templates to set boards up for success.
