Speak Up for Main Street

Since the onset of the pandemic, Main Street programs have demonstrated the strength of hyperlocal, holistic business support systems. By supporting small businesses, Main Street programs retain local economic investment and create resilient communities. That’s why Main Street America is advocating to Congress to sustain and expand the essential work of Main Street leaders in every corner of the country. Specifically, we are advocating for a $100 million dollar competitive grant program to support Main Street programs through the Economic Development Administration in an upcoming stimulus package. Utilizing an existing national nonprofit network creates a bottom-up solution for local economic recovery. 

SPEAK UP >

For many Main Streets, there isn’t likely to be a speedy “return to normal”; the effects of the pandemic will create ongoing needs for small business and entrepreneur support, reconfiguration of public spaces and events, and strategic space development. As trusted advocates with deep knowledge about the local economic landscape, Main Street directors are uniquely able to connect businesses to the resources they need and broker creative solutions to spur recovery. Employing a holistic approach, Main Street programs are a sustainable, street-level solution to reviving the heart of communities.

Talking Points | Outreach Plan

Advocacy efforts are underway with representatives from each state, county, and citywide coordinating program to deliver our message in a targeted way to Congressional leaders. But we will need your help.  With discussion in the Senate to create the next COVID relief package underway, we urge you to reach out to your United States Senators to ask for their support for Main Street as these negotiations develop.

REACH OUT >

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. 

BACK TO LANDING PAGE