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

Marion, Iowa © Tasha Sams

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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.

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Two community members in Emporia Kansas pose with a sign saying "I'm a Main Streeter"

Emporia, Kansas © Emporia Main Street

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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.

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Dionne Baux and MSA partner working in Bronzeville, Chicago.

Chicago, Illinois © Main Street America

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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!

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People riding e-scooters in Waterloo, Iowa

Waterloo, Iowa © Main Street Waterloo

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Woman and girl at a festival booth in Kendall Whittier, Tulsa, Oklahoma.

Kendall Whittier — Tulsa, Oklahoma © Kendall Whittier Main Street

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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 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 Institute Small Business Support Allied Member Services The Point Members Area
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

February 7, 2019 | Community Spotlight: Tennessee State Historic Preservation Tax Credit Panel Discussion |
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Jill Burgin, Executive Director of the Main Street Program for the Heritage Foundation of Williamson County and Renee Kuhlman with the National Trust for Historic Preservation spoke about the need for a state historic tax credit in Franklin, Tennessee.


Did you know that Tennessee is one of only 15 states that doesn't have a state historic preservation tax credit?

Last month, the Heritage Foundation of Williamson County, TN hosted “America’s Heart is in Our Small Towns”: TN State Historic Preservation Tax Credit Panel Discussion at The Franklin Theatre in downtown Franklin, TN. Experts and preservation leaders from Heritage Foundation division and local main street program, Downtown Franklin Association; Tennessee Historic Commission; American Institute of Architects, Tennessee Society (AIA Tennessee); and the National Trust for Historic Preservation also participated in the discussion.

The program covered related topics applicable to state and local elected officials, government agencies, architects, preservationists, property owners, main street districts and others. Panelists included Dr. Blake Wintory, Director of Preservation for the Heritage Foundation of Williamson County, TN; Jill Burgin, Executive Director of the Main Street Program for the Heritage Foundation and Downtown Franklin Association; Patrick McIntyre, State Historic Preservation Officer and the Executive Director of the Tennessee Historical Commission; Cyril Stewart, local architect and preservationist representing AIA Tennessee; and Renee Kuhlman, Director of Policy Outreach, Government Relations & Policy, National Trust for Historic Preservation. Bari Beasley, CEO of the Heritage Foundation moderated the discussion.

Renee Kuhlman from the National Trust explained, “When states enact historic tax incentives, the result has been greater developer interest in investing in our smaller towns.”

According to the National Trust for Historic Preservation, Tennessee is one of only 15 states in the U.S. that does not offer state historic tax credits to help revitalize main street communities, create jobs and put vacant historic buildings back on the tax rolls. Historic tax credits encourage the rehabilitation of smaller historic buildings in rural areas as well as those in larger towns and cities. Studies find that one-third of participating states’ investments in historic tax credits is paid back during the construction phase and the remainder is paid back between four to nine years after the restored and rehabilitated building is put in service.
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Credit: Heritage Foundation of Williamson County, TN