In mid-May, Main Street America (MSA) began advocating to Congress for $100 million to be included in an upcoming stimulus package to sustain and expand the essential work of Main Street leaders throughout the nation. MSA needs the support of the public to effectively advocate for small businesses, historic resources and thriving downtowns and commercial corridors! The $100 million proposal would:

• Provide $75 million for Main Street coordinating programs at the state-, county- or city-level to provide training, technical assistance and support to participating programs.
• Provide up to $25 million for Main Street small businesses to support operational shifts and business model changes, such as online retail, to remain viable during and after the pandemic.

An effective advocacy effort requires close communication with those that support MSA’s initiatives. In order to maintain the best contact information for their network of supporters, MSA kindly asks that advocates provide their contact information to ensure that everyone can work together on this new initiative. Sign-up for their Main Street advocates list!

While aid in the form of the Paycheck Protection Program and other state-, county- and city-specific funding has offered a lifeline, we know that the acute needs of our Main Street micro-businesses – and our Main Street programs themselves – far exceed current support mechanisms. – Patrice Frey, President & CEO, NMSC

Undoubtedly, the Main Street network has immense strength when it speaks collectively. Your voice matters! Here are a few excellent ways to get involved and learn more about Main Street advocacy and how you can make a difference in your community:

• Register for the free Advocacy in Focus course offered by MSA and presented by the National Trust for Historic Preservation (NTHP) for an in-depth overview of five key advocacy areas. Whether making a specific policy ask or maintaining sustained support, community revitalization professionals and historic preservationists need to develop and hone advocacy skills. The five-part series will feature expert speakers and practitioners from across the community revitalization and preservation fields.
• Submit an op-ed through your local media outlet! MSA will be offering assistance to members in writing op-eds to further strengthen their strategic communications. Click here to learn more and request an op-ed from MSA, tailored to your needs and signed by MSA’s president and CEO, Patrice Frey.
• Check out the Main Street Advocacy Tool Kit to enhance your efforts to communicate the power of the Main Street movement with decision-makers, ranging from elected officials to individual supporters. View recent MSA publications to learn how to effectively measure impact, mobilize success, build support and more!