List of Main Street Programs in the United States


's local Main Street programs aim to revitalize downtowns and commercial districts through preservation-based economic development and community revitalization. The "Main Street Project" was begun in 1977 by the National Trust for Historic Preservation with a pilot involving 3 towns: Galesburg, Illinois; Madison, Indiana; and Hot Springs, South Dakota. Based on the success in those three towns, a pilot project followed in six states: Texas, Colorado, Georgia, Massachusetts, North Carolina, and Pennsylvania.
Since then, Main Street America has expanded the program to many other towns. These may be statewide or regional "coordinating programs" or "local programs." Programs determined to be "Designated" follow best-practices established by the National Main Street Center and/or statewide or regional coordinating programs. One requirement of being a "Designated" program is to appoint a full-time staff member, often called a main street manager.
In 2020, there were 860 Nationally Accredited Main Street America programs and 44 Coordinating Programs.

Programs

Alabama

  • Alexander City,
  • Anniston,
  • Athens,
  • Birmingham,
  • Columbiana,
  • Decatur,
  • Dothan,
  • Elba,
  • Eufala,
  • Florence,
  • Foley,
  • Fort Payne,
  • Gadsden,
  • Heflin,
  • Jasper,
  • Marion,
  • Monroeville,
  • Montevallo,
  • Opelika,
  • Oxford,
  • Scottsboro,
  • South Huntsville,
  • Wetumpka,

Alaska

While there is no statewide coordinating program, there is at least one local program accredited by Main Street America.
Accredited Programs
  • Juneau, . Program sought accreditation by the National Main Street Center in 2016.

Arizona

The Arizona Downtown Alliance was started in 1984 to encourage the redevelopment and improvement of downtowns in Arizona. Steven Griffin served as the President in 1984-1985. William E. Mosher, executive director of Tucson's Downtown Development Corporation was elected president in January 1987. The first ever statewide historic preservation conference, "A Sense of Place" was held June 2003 with support from the Arizona Main Street Program. Around 2008 the Main Street Program was housed under the Arizona Department of Commerce. Today Lani Lott is Coordinator of the Arizona Downtown Alliance, a program of the Arizona Preservation Foundation.
Designated programs
Non-Designated Programs

Arkansas

California

California established a statewide coordinating program in 1986. From 1986 to 2002, the California Main Street Program was administered by the California Technology, Trade and Commerce Agency and supported by State General Funds. That agency was eliminated in 2002/03 due to a budget crisis. In 2004 the California Main Street Program was re-established within the Office of Historic Preservation.
Designated Programs
Non-Designated Programs - may be active or inactive

Colorado

After the "Main Street Project" concluded in 1979, Colorado was one of the first six states selected for establishment of a statewide coordinating program. At the time of founding the Gates Foundation gave $100,000 to underwrite free design services in Main Street communities. Today the serves the statewide coordinating program. In Colorado there are Designated, Candidate, Graduate, and Affiliate communities.
Designated Communities
Candidate Communities
Graduate Communities
Affiliate Communities

Connecticut

Lisa Bumbera was coordinator for the State Program in 1995 when it was established under Connecticut Light and Power Company. Connecticut was the first state to have its program sponsored by a private corporation rather than by the state government. The Connecticut Main Street Center was established as an independent non-profit in December 1999. The Connecticut Department of Economic Development became a Founding Partner of the program, along with CL&P. John Simone became the first full-time executive director of Connecticut Main Street in January 2000. When NU merged with Boston-based NStar in April 2012 the future of the program was cast into question. In August 2017, Patrick McMahon became Chief Executive Officer for the Connecticut Main Street Center, Inc.
Non-participating Communities
  • East Hartford, Town Council authorized application to Connecticut Main Street Program in 1995. Selected in 1995.
  • Meriden, Bob Cooper was Meriden's downtown manager in 1996.
  • New London, Selected in 1995.
  • Torrington, Torrington Main Street Action Team, Selected in 1995. Shortly after being designated a public forum was held about whether to continue in the program, as they could not secure a full time director as required to participate.
  • Windsor, John Simone was the first and only executive director of First Town Downtown. After three years he left to become the first full-time executive director of Connecticut Main Street in January 2000.
  • Vernon, Rockville Downtown Association, Cliff Edwards was hired as manager in 2010.

Delaware

DelBiz on Main is the state Coordinating Program for Delaware, located within the Department of State, Division of Small Business.
Accredited Programs
Other Programs

District of Columbia

DC Main Streets was established in 2002 and provides services and funding to the 24 Main Street programs in the District of Columbia.
  • Washington -
  • Washington - Bladensburg Road Main Street
  • Washington -
  • Washington -
  • Washington -
  • Washington - Destination Congress Heights
  • Washington -
  • Washington -
  • Washington -
  • Washington -
  • Washington - [Dupont Circle, Washington, Pennsylvania|Washington, D.C.|Dupont Circle], Historic Dupont Circle Main Streets]
  • Washington - H Street, NE H Street Main Street]
  • Washington -
  • Washington -
  • Washington -
  • Washington -
  • Washington -
  • Washington - Shaw,
  • Washington -
  • Washington -
  • Washington -
  • Washington - Upper Georgia Avenue Main Street
  • Washington -
  • Washington -
  • Washington -
  • Washington -
Non-Designated Programs
  • Washington - Deanwood Heights Main Street

Florida

Georgia

After the "Main Street Project" concluded in 1979, Georgia was one of the first six states selected for establishment of a statewide coordinating program. At the time of founding the Georgia Trust for Historic Preservation raised $100,000 to provide design assistance to Main Street Communities. Today the program serves over 100 communities.

Hawaii

No designated programs

Idaho

The statewide Main Street coordinating program was launched in June 2012 under the Idaho Department of Commerce. Jerry Miller is the state coordinator for Idaho.
Designated Programs
Affiliate Programs

Illinois

Originally field staff with the National Trust for Historic Preservation in Chicago were instrumental in starting the "Main Street Project." One of the three original "Main Street Project" communities was in Galesburg, Illinois, from 1977-1979. Donna Ann Harris was the State Coordinator of the Illinois Main Street Program between 2000 and 2002. Presently Kelly Humrichouser is state coordinator for the Illinois Main Street program that has 19 active programs across the state.
Designated Programs
Non-designated Programs - Some may be active, others not

Indiana

Iowa

Kansas

Kentucky

Louisiana

The Louisiana Main Street Program is within the Office of Cultural Development and the Division of Historic Preservation. Established in 1984, there are presently 24 designated Main Street Programs in Louisiana.
Designated Programs
Non-Designated Programs

Maine

The serves as the coordinating program for Maine. In August 2018, Main Street Maine communities launched a to share authentic Maine downtown experiences, featuring businesses and attractions in each city and town with the National Main Street designation.
Main Street Maine Communities
Maine Downtown Affiliates

Maryland

Massachusetts

After the "Main Street Project" concluded in 1979, Massachusetts was one of the first six states selected for establishment of a statewide coordinating program. At the time of founding banking industry leaders held two conferences to discuss innovative financing programs. Under the leadership of then Boston Mayor Thomas Menino, a citywide coordinating program was established in Boston. This has since grown to include 22 designated Main Street programs in Boston.

Michigan

Minnesota

A unique approach has been taken in Minnesota to rebrand the Preservation Alliance of Minnesota as "" - a 501c3 non-profit that works with Main Street communities but also neighborhood groups, developers, and homeowners.
Designated Communities
Network Communities
Other Communities

Mississippi

The Mississippi Main Street Association was established in 1984 as a 501 non-profit organization headquartered in Jackson, Mississippi. Mississippi Main Street serves as the coordinating program for 48 designated Main Street programs in Mississippi. Thomas Gregory currently serves as the executive director and state coordinator for the Mississippi Main Street Association. Previous state coordinators include Bob Wilson, Beverly Meng, Stacy Pair and Scott Barksdale. Below is a list of Mississippi's designated Main Street programs.

Missouri

Missouri has over 160 commercial districts participating in Missouri Main Street. A state-wide non-profit organization was formed in 2004 and recognizes communities in the following categories: Accredited, Associate, Affiliate, and Aspiring. There are 7 accredited communities with the highest level of designation. Gayla Roten has been State Director since November 2007. She is assisted in that role by a staff of six.
Accredited Communities
Associate Communities
Affiliate Communities
Other Communities

Montana

Montana Main Street Program was established in 2005 as a collaborative effort between the Community Development Division and the Montana Office of Tourism at the Department of Commerce. Three pilot projects for the program were selected in 2006: Anaconda, Polson, and Red Lodge. Joining them a few years later were Libby, STevensville, Butte, and Livingston to bring the total up to seven. In 2013 Governor Steve Bullock brought together the Community Development Division of the Montana Office of Tourism and the Montana Department of Commerce in a new effort to help revitalize historic downtowns in Montana, after the Montana Main Street Program had been cut in the 2013 Legislative Session. At the time twenty-one communities were participating in the program.
Certified Programs
Affiliate Programs
  • Anaconda, Anaconda Main Street Program, selected as one of three pilot projects for the Montana Main Street Program on April 6, 2006.
  • Baker, member since 2020
  • Billings, member since 2010
  • Boulder, member since 2011
  • Deer Lodge, member since 2012
  • Ekalaka, member since 2020
  • Ennis, member since 2018
  • Glasgow, member since 2008
  • Glendive, member since 2010
  • Hamilton, member since 2014
  • Hardin, member since 2009
  • Havre, member since 2020
  • Helena, member since 2013
  • Libby, Libby Revitalization, Inc., member since 2010
  • Lincoln, member since 2020
  • Livingston, Vision Livingston Downtown Partnership, member since 2019
  • Miles City, member since 2013
  • Polson, Polson CDA - Main Street Project, selected as one of three pilot projects for the Montana Main Street Program on April 6, 2006.
  • Red Lodge, Red Lodge Economic Development Corporation. Revitalization plan was created in 1986. Selected as one of three pilot projects for the Montana Main Street Program on April 6, 2006.
  • Terry, member since 2012
  • Thompson Falls, member since 2014
  • Townsend, member since 2008
  • Twin Bridges, member since 2015
  • Whitehall, member since 2010

Nebraska

Nevada

No designated programs

New Hampshire

New Jersey

New Jersey has two winners: Westfield and Montclair. Today the coordinating program is operated by the New Jersey Department of Community Affairs in Trenton, New Jersey.

New Mexico

New York

New York is one of the few states in the US that does not have a state coordinating program officially recognized by Main Street America. That has not prevented a number of communities from pursuing downtown revitalization, with several that have faithfully followed the Main Street Approach.
Non-Designated Programs
  • Albion, Albion Main Street Alliance
  • Castleton-on-Hudson,
  • Cazenovia, When the National Trust for Historic Preservation was developing a program for downtown revitalization in the 1970s, Cazenovia is one of three towns frequently cited as a success story.
  • Corning, . Home of Corning Glass Works and the prototype in the 1970s for downtown revitalizations programs that followed nationwide. Cited as an early success story for efforts to revitalize the downtown following a major flood.
  • Ithaca, . Mary Means, field staff member of the National Trust for Historic Preservation visited and gave a talk on "Conservation of Townscape" on April 10, 1976.
  • Lockport, Lockport Downtown, Inc.
  • Lyons,
  • Oyster Bay,

North Carolina

North Dakota

No designated programs

Ohio

Oklahoma

Oregon

There are three levels of designation in Oregon: Performing Main Street, Transforming Downtown, and Exploring Downtown. Today they are 64 Main Street programs in Oregon.
Performing Main Street
Transforming Downtown
Not Designated - May be Active or Inactive

Pennsylvania

After the "Main Street Project" concluded in 1979, Pennsylvania was one of the first six states selected for establishment of a statewide coordinating program. Today the, founded in 1987, is the state coordinating program for Pennsylvania.

Rhode Island

No designated programs

South Carolina

The South Carolina Downtown Development Association was formed as a private, nonprofit organization in 1984. Five of the original towns in the South Carolina Main Street Program named in 1984 were Sumter, Chester, Union, Lancaster, and Georgetown. In 1985 they were joined by five more towns: Clinton, Beaufort, Gaffney, Greer, and Seneca. Another five cities were named to the program in 1986: Anderson, Bennettsville, Camden, Conway, and Darlington. A call went out in 1999 for "1,000 Friends of South Carolina" to support the ongoing work of the South Carolina Downtown Development Association. That call for supporters reflected on the effectiveness of a grassroots approach to achieve community revitalization over the past 16 years.
Designated Communities
Non-Designated Communities - may be active or inactive

South Dakota

One of the three original "Main Street Project" communities was in Hot Springs, South Dakota, from 1977-1979. As of 2021, however, there are no Main Street America designated programs in South Dakota, nor is there an active state coordinating program. Of the downtowns in South Dakota some follow the Main Street Approach, while others are a downtown association or chamber of commerce format.
Non-Designated Communities
  • Aberdeen,
  • Brookings,
  • Dell Rapids,
  • Deadwood, . Deadwood was one of the earliest communities to receive funding from the National Trust Historic Preservation in support of commercial district revitalization. As a precursor to the Main Street Program, in April 1974 architect Steven Stoltz, of the firm Steffan and Stoltz in Iowa, presented architectural drawings of buildings on Main Street with directions of what would be needed to restore each one. The state provided $15,250 and National Trust another $1,000.
  • Hot Springs, .
  • Huron, Huron Downtown Beautification Committee
  • Lead, Lead Downtown Revitalization Project
  • Mitchell,
  • Pierre,
  • Rapid City, . It is here that noted preservation expert Donovan Rypkema was an appraiser and owner of the Buell Building at 632 St. Joseph St. Rypkema would go on to have a distinctive career in historic preservation working extensively in the US and Internationally through his and consulting firms.
  • Sioux Falls,
  • Spearfish,
  • Vermillion, Downtown Vermillion
  • Watertown,
  • Yankton, Historic Downtown Yankton

Tennessee

Texas

After the "Main Street Project" concluded in 1979, Texas one was one of the first six states selected for establishment of a statewide coordinating program. Texas Main Street was established under the Texas Historical Commission and based in Austin, Texas. In 1981, Seguin received a "Resource Team" that spent a week with business and civic leaders, bankers, elected officials, and the newly appointed Main Street Manager. Over the next 3 years plans to rehab several building were aided by a low-interest loan pool established by local banks. Anice Read led the program from the start until she retired in 1996. As of 2021, Debra Drescher leads a 9-person staff serving 88 communities.

Utah

No designated programs

Vermont

Virginia

Washington

Affiliated Programs

West Virginia

Wisconsin

Today the state coordinating program is housed within the Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation with Errin Welty as the state coordinator.
Designated Communities
Other Communities

Wyoming