YouTube video by Main Street America

Supported by The Hartford Small Business Accelerator Grant Program, the shop owners at The Shoppes at Grandon Plaza in Sterling, Illinois, prove that community isn't just a benefit of retail accelerat...

We analyzed responses to our 2026 Director's Survey to understand the challenges Main Streets are facing and how their priorities are adapting.

YouTube video by Main Street America

YouTube video by Main Street America

YouTube video by Main Street America

YouTube video by Main Street America

YouTube video by Main Street America

YouTube video by Main Street America

YouTube video by Main Street America

YouTube video by Main Street America

YouTube video by Main Street America

This conversation between Main Street America's Director of Research and the owner of a plant shop in Tacoma, Wash., reveals the unique struggles of today's storefront business owners.

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...

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.

Our grantmaking team shares their advice to help you run a successful grant program and expand your impact in your community.

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.

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...

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.

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.

Amanda Lanata at Louisiana Main Street explains how communities can use tactical urbanism to get things done quickly.

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?

Joi Cuartero Austin, Gustavo Ustariz, and Wendy Otero attended the Global Entrepreneurship Congress and shared their takeaways.

Learn how plug-in spaces promote social connections and foster community and connection.

Learn how you can harness design principles and strategies to create a cooler, more welcoming downtown.

Learn how Elgin Downtown Neighborhood Association worked with Recast City to grow their small-scale manufacturing ecosystem.

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.

Main Street America is excited to introduce the Innovation Division and share some of our key focus areas and upcoming projects.

This Fact Sheet explores the relationship between community walkability and safety, especially among older adults.

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.

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.

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...

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.

It’s hard out here in these streets as inflation and tariffs heat up....

Main Street America is pleased to announce that 1,171 programs across the country have achieved designation as Main Street America programs in recognition of their commitment to preservation-based eco...

The Groveland Dark Sky Initiative manages and reduces light pollution citywide—even as the Central Florida community rapidly grows. City of Groveland won Honorable Mention in The Region: Metropolis, C...

Learn how Thomasville, Georgia, activates its storefronts each spring with a rose-themed window decorating contest.

The results of our Spring 2025 Small Business Profiles Survey show increasing economic anxieties among Main Street business owners across the country.

Interested in bringing free, live music to your community? You're invited to a live webinar on Thursday, May 15, at 1 p.m. ET / 10 a.m. PT, to learn about an exciting, multi-year matching grant oppo...

Data from the past year and updates on our building inventory tool, the Building Opportunities on Main Street Tracker