Annually, the Main Street America Institute (MSAI) hosts two workshops that are designed to help Main Street professionals prioritize strategy, develop personal skills to lead revitalization and network with peers from across the country. To ensure the continuation of this essential content, the MSAI workshops will be held virtually this year! 2021 Leadership Development Workshop … More 2021 MSAI Workshops Have Gone Virtual: Register Today!

Developed in collaboration with the National Main Street Center (NMSC), the Brookings Bass Center for Transformative Placemaking published a new series of research briefs, highlighting the vital role that Main Street programs play in the revitalization of rural downtowns and promoting equitable rural economic and community development. The Brookings Bass Center sought to understand how … More The Value of Main Street Organizations: New Research from Brookings and the National Main Street Center

As of December 09, 2020, all available Rebuild! VA grant funds have been exhausted, and additional applications will not be accepted or processed. What does this mean for you? The state has compiled resources to address important and frequently asked questions (FAQ). Click here to view the FAQ sheet for more information! “Rebuild VA has … More Rebuild! VA Grant Funds Exhausted

Since 1985, the Virginia Main Street (VMS) program has been helping localities successfully revitalize the economic vitality of downtown commercial districts using the National Main Street Center’s successful Main Street Approach™. Serving as a preservation-based economic and community development program, VMS offers a range of services and assistance to communities interested in revitalizing their historic commercial districts. The program’s core … More 2020 Virginia Main Street Program Guidelines Released

Diana Schwartz, Executive Director of the River District Association (RDA), appeared at the recent TEDx Danville event that took place on November 10, 2020. For those unaware, TEDx serves as a grassroots initiative, bringing the spirit of TED to local communities. These events are organized by passionate individuals, seeking to uncover new ideas and share … More Executive Director for Danville’s River District Association Appears in TEDx Danville with Other Local Leaders

Main Street America (MSA) will be launching a storytelling campaign that focuses on the symbiotic relationship between Main Street programs and their small businesses. The campaign has a dual purpose: to showcase different facets of the downtown small business ecosystem and to act as an advocacy tool, underlining the need to support Main Street programs and … More Call for Main Street Small Business Stories

Undeniably, the novel coronavirus pandemic has disrupted our daily lives, especially the way we work! But, the way we approach revitalization hasn’t changed, and our desire to create vibrant and resilient downtowns and commercial districts has never been stronger. Remaining focused on recovery, Main Street America (MSA) believes there’s no better time to join the … More 2021 Main Street America Institute Course Schedule: Registration Now Open!

Fredericksburg VA Main Street (FVMS) won the 2020 Main Street Idea Pitch competition, receiving a $5,000 award to help make their Scan & LOVE project a success! Alongside four other finalists, April Peterson, FVMS Board President, presented the organization’s idea focused on activating storefronts through storytelling. Judged by a panel of revitalization professionals and the … More Fredericksburg VA Main Street Named Winner of the 2020 Main Street Idea Pitch Competition!

Excitingly, the towns of Vinton, Warsaw and Wytheville will receive Industrial Revitalization Fund (IRF) awards, totaling more than $1.4 million, to support the redevelopment of industrial and/or commercial structures in their respective localities. Projects were reviewed and evaluated competitively, placing an emphasis on those with a high level of blight, identification of impediments to economic … More Towns of Vinton, Warsaw and Wytheville Named Industrial Revitalization Fund Grant Recipients