Great American Main Street Award

Recognizing communities exemplifying the use of the Main Street Approach to revitalize traditional downtowns and neighborhood business districts.

Exceptional Main Streets

Each year, the National Main Street Center recognizes exceptional Main Street communities whose successes serve as a model for comprehensive, preservation-based commercial district revitalization with the Great American Main Street Award (GAMSA). Since the award’s inception in 1995, over 90 Main Street programs have been honored.

GAMSA Winners

Great American Main Street Award winners represent the diversity of communities in the Main Street America network—small towns, mid-sized communities, and urban commercial districts from every region in the country. Explore GAMSA winning communities:

2018 | Howell, Michigan

2018 | Oregon City, Oregon

2018 | Rock Springs, Wyoming

1995 - 2017

If you have any questions about the Great American Main Street Award, please contact Steve Amraen at 312.610.5609 or gamsa@savingplaces.org.

Selection Criteria

The award-winning communities are chosen based on the following selection criteria:

Overall strength of the Main Street program and documented success in creating an exciting place to live, work, play and visit;
Demonstrated impact aligning with the Main Street Approach;
Commitment to historic preservation;
Active involvement of the public and private sector;
Model partnerships, including inclusive engagement of community members and local stakeholders in the downtown revitalization process; and
A Main Street America Accredited Program.

The application for the 2019 Great American Main Street Award is now closed. If you have any questions about the selection process, please contact Steve Amraen at 312.610.5609 or gamsa@savingplaces.org.