Speak Up for Main Street

Main Street’s businesses are facing a crisis like no other, and they need the support offered by local Main Street programs now more than ever. That’s why Main Street America is advocating to Congress for $100M to be included in an upcoming stimulus to sustain and expand the essential work of Main Street leaders in every corner of the country. 

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For many Main Streets, there isn’t likely to be a speedy “return to normal” as stay-at-home orders lift; consumers are likely to continue to have fears about safely dinning, shopping, and making use of professional services. That means small businesses will need the hyperlocal support system offered by Main Street programs more than at any point previously to sustain themselves over the next 12 to 24 months. As trusted advocates with deep knowledge about the local business landscape and partners, Main Street directors are uniquely able to connect businesses to the resources they need, and broker creative solutions to get through the coming months. Employing a holistic approach, Main Street programs are a sustainable, street-level solution to reviving the heart of communities.

The Main Street America network holds incredible power with connections to key stakeholders at every level of decision-making. We know so many of you are already deeply engaged in advocacy for your program. Whether you’re taking a first step or reinforcing a steady stream of messaging, we want to provide you more tools and resources to enhance your advocacy work.

• Outreach Plan: Learn more about how you can help in advocating for Main Street. Use this outreach planning document with a list of action items and recommendations on how you can connect to your Senate and House offices as well as tips on making the case for Main Street.

• Advocacy in Focus Online Course: View our free online course, Advocacy in Focus, to develop and hone your advocacy skills. This 5-part training series was created by Main Street America and the National Trust for Historic Preservation, and features expert speakers and practitioners from across the community revitalization and preservation fields. View the recordings.

• Main Street America Op-Ed Project: Local media is a key venue for your advocacy message, and Main Street America is pleased to help in the writing of an op-ed for placement. Once you have identified an outlet and pitched for placement, please complete this form to request an op-ed from Main Street America.

• Talking Points: To buttress your current messaging, Main Street America suggests these talking points to help convey the value of Main Street programs, specifically related to COVID-19 crisis and recovery. 

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