About Us

Who We Are

Main Street America has been helping revitalize older and historic commercial districts for more than 40 years. 



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Our Mission

Main Street America leads a movement committed to strengthening communities through preservation-based economic development in older and historic downtowns and neighborhood commercial districts.

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Our History

Main Street was established as a program of the National Trust for Historic Preservation in 1980 as a way to address the myriad issues facing older and historic downtowns during that time. Working with a nationwide network of coordinating programs and local communities, Main Street has helped over 2,000 communities across the country bring economic vitality back downtown, while celebrating their historic character, and bringing communities together.

An exciting new chapter for the organization began on July 1, 2013, when the Main Street program launched as an independent subsidiary of the National Trust for Historic Preservation. This transition enables Main Street to build on its three-decade record of success, with new leadership and new resources that will help communities respond to evolving needs and opportunities in the commercial district revitalization field.

In 2015, the Center launched a new program brand for the network of Main Street programs—Main Street America™—to reinvigorate our collective look, feel, and strategy to position Main Street as a leader locally, regionally, and nationally. Main Street America is based in Chicago, Illinois, with an office in Washington, DC, and field staff located throughout the country. 

What We Believe

We believe Main Streets are for everyone. At the core of our approach to revitalization is a commitment to creating places of shared prosperity, equal access to opportunity, and inclusive engagement. 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 here.


Meet Our Staff

Get to know the National Main Street Center staff and board.

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Get to Know the Network

Explore the communities that make up the Main Street America network.

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Join the Movement

Become a member to gain access to resources, tools, networking opportunities and more.

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