Learn data-based solutions to complex challenges at the 2025 Community Transformation Workshop in Columbia and Hartsville, South Carolina, October 13 – 15.
Learn More
Main Street Homer (Homer, Louisiana) was awarded a $25,000 A Community Thrives social impact grant from Gannett/USA Today Network to create an arts center with affordable artist studios and classroom/event space. Specifically, the grant will be used to update bathrooms and install an elevator to bring the historic Mason’s Building up to American Disabilities Act (ADA) standards. The arts center will serve as an incubator for local artists, which will further Homer Main Street’s mission to “revitalize downtown Homer through economic and cultural development and advancement of the arts and historic preservation.”
"We think it will help revitalize downtown Homer because artists bring people, and people bring more people," said Jimmy Hand, Main Street Homer Executive Director.
Learn more in A Louisiana town fights for a future rooted in art, history and culture.
Main Street Homer's board with the "A Community Thrives" grant check.
All photos courtesy of Main Street Homer.
Deepen your knowledge, bring your vision to life, and expand your impact with our latest Main Street America Academy course. Whether you’re navigating your first grant or hosting a community event, the Local Main Street Leader Launching module is designed to support your growth without burning out.
Meet Maxine Clark—entrepreneur, philanthropist, and board member at Delmar Main Street in St. Louis, Missouri—and hear Erin's takeaways from their conversation about advocacy, resiliency, and leadership.
Whether you’ve mastered foundational Main Street Approach principles or developed an innovative initiative—we want to hear from you! Submit your proposal for an education session at the 2026 Main Street Now Conference. Proposals are due September 5, 2025.
