MAIN SPOTLIGHT: CELEBRATING 1,291 NATIONALLY DESIGNATED MAIN STREET PROGRAMS IN 2026

Main Street America is excited to announce 1,291 organizations as 2026 nationally designated Main Street America programs for their commitment to preservation-based economic development and community revitalization through the Main Street Approach™. Additionally, in 2025, Main Street America programs generated an impressive economic impact, including more than 6,900 new businesses, 10,623 historic buildings rehabilitated, and a record-breaking $9.4 billion in local reinvestment.

This year’s network of designated Main Street programs includes 838 programs that have earned Accredited status — our top designation tier — for demonstrating a proven track record of achieving outcomes in alignment with the Main Street Approach and exceptional performance in the six standards of community evaluation. Additionally, 453 programs have received Affiliate status for showing a strong commitment to the Main Street model and creating meaningful improvements in their communities. 

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“Main Street America is proud to recognize this year’s 1,291 designated Main Street programs for the unwavering commitment and the unique abilities of thousands of individuals to respond to the needs of their communities,” said Erin Barnes, President and CEO at Main Street America. ​“The incredible collective impact of these programs demonstrates the power of the Main Street movement to build vibrant spaces and durable economies by investing in the people and places that make their districts special.” 

Main Street America recognizes two tiers of national designation — Affiliate and Accredited. These designations are a powerful advocacy tool, signaling to local stakeholders, as well as city, state, and national funders, that a Main Street program has an established position within a nationwide movement with a 45-year proven track record of generating impressive economic returns, building local capacity, creating welcoming and inviting communities, and creating lasting impact. 

Main Street America recognizes two tiers of national designation — Accredited and Affiliate. These designations are a badge of excellence and a powerful tool, signaling to community members, civic leaders, decision makers, funders, and others that the Main Street program holds an established position within a nationwide movement with a 45-year proven track record of generating transformative economic returns, fostering welcoming and inviting communities, and creating lasting positive impact. 

To qualify for designation, communities must demonstrate a strong commitment to the Main Street model, meet a set of baseline requirements, and achieve outcomes in six areas: broad-based community commitment to revitalization; inclusive leadership and organizational capacity; diversified funding and sustainable program operations; strategy-driven programming; preservation-based economic development; and demonstrated impact and results. Learn more about the framework, standards, and designation here.

Each program’s performance was evaluated through assessments conducted by the organization’s personnel and board of directors, and their Coordinating Program, which works in partnership with Main Street America to identify programs that meet rigorous national community evaluation standards. These standards provide the Main Street America network with a strong foundational framework to review progress, recognize strengths, understand trends, and identify strategies that move Main Street programs forward. 

In 2025, Main Street America programs generated $9.4 billion in local reinvestment, welcomed 6,936 net new businesses, facilitated the creation of 36,549 net new jobs, rehabilitated 10,623 historic buildings, and leveraged 1.8 million volunteer hours. On average, for every dollar a Main Street program spent on operations, $23.13 was reinvested in its downtown district*. Learn more about the collective impact of the Main Street Movement here.

*This data is based on reporting from 1,303 Main Street America-designated programs, accounting for their work performed from January 1, 2025, to December 31, 2025.