With the generous support of the 1772 Foundation, Main Street America’s research team recently launched the At Home on Main Street project, a four-part housing research initiative that aims to provide action-oriented recommendations and support the network in strengthening Main Streets through thoughtful housing development. A few months ago, Main Street America shared its first major release from this effort: a data-centric report on the state of housing in Main Street districts.

The At Home on Main Street: A Report on the State of Housing in Downtown and Neighborhood Commercial Districts publication includes insights from Main Street leaders and Main Street-oriented housing developers, as well as an analysis of brand-new census data focused on housing density, vacancy, age, cost and more. Apart from the report, there will be more to come from this research initiative, including an online self-auditing tool where Main Street managers and city officials can look up housing data on their communities, see how their communities’ housing circumstances compare with those of their surrounding areas and get direction on potential solutions that may be helpful in supporting an improved state of housing where they are. Brighter housing futures are within reach!

Photo Credit: River District Association