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.

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

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

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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

October 27, 2020 | Jefferson Matters: 2020 Great American Main Street Award Semifinalist Spotlight |

Jefferson_Pic.jpgJefferson's unique rooftop art can only be seen from the top of the Mahanay Bell Tower's observation deck, which provides a 360-degree view of the downtown and rural landscape. A 47-bell carillon plays digitally each hour. Credit: Jamie Daubendiek

On Oct. 30, we’ll announce the three winners of the 2020 Great American Main Street Award (GAMSA). In anticipation of the big reveal, we’re highlighting one GAMSA semifinalist per day on our blog, Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter from Oct. 20 -29. We’ll not only spotlight their impressive efforts from previous years, but we’ve also checked in with each community to hear about how their downtowns have been impacted by the pandemic, how their programs have responded, and advice they’d give to other Main Street communities.

Jefferson Matters: Main Street • Jefferson, IA

Year Founded: 2012 | Population: 4,150 | Square Blocks in Commercial District: 15 3/4

When Jefferson Matters: Main Street got its start in 2012, many of the district’s storefronts were vacant and historic buildings had fallen into disrepair. But in only eight years, Jefferson Matters has sparked an inspiring transformation through innovative placemaking projects and building restorations. Jefferson Main Street convinced property owners to sell them their vacant buildings, renovated the storefronts themselves, and hosted events to encourage property owners and entrepreneurs to locate downtown. 

One of the Main Street program’s biggest successes was working with community partners to bring the software development company Pillar Technology to their town of 4,200, which will bring in thirty new jobs and has sparked new housing developments. Jefferson’s model of brining great tech jobs to rural America has received state and national press coverage looking at how to replicate the success Jefferson is having in rural towns across the U.S.

Keep reading to hear from Jefferson Matters: Main Street’s Executive Director, Reegan Hanigan, about how the Main Street program has pivoted since the pandemic.

How has COVID-19 affected your community?

COVID-19 has affected Jefferson, along with every other community. The shutdown closed businesses but hasn’t kept them down, as they continue to utilize new resources and adjust to the new normal.

Describe one of the ways your program has responded to those effects. 

Our program has responded to those effects by continuing to be a point of contact for resources and information. Our program has teams of amazing volunteers who go above and beyond to work together for the greater good of the community, especially during the pandemic. 

What is one piece of advice you would give to Main Streets struggling to pivot in the time of COVID-19? 

Don’t be afraid to be innovative and step outside of your comfort zone.

Follow Jefferson Matters: Main Street on social media to keep up with their efforts:
Facebook: @JeffersonMatters
Instagram: @JeffersonMatters 

Join us as we announce the GAMSA winners on Oct. 30 at 12pm EST during a special Main Street plenary at PastForward, the National Trust for Historic Preservation’s digital conferenceThe plenary is free to attend but registration is required! Tune in to the awards ceremony by registering  for the session via Zoom or the PastForward site. We will also be streaming the ceremony via Facebook Live.


#Announcement