The Community Transformation Workshop is an intensive and interactive two-day experience filled with educational sessions and exercises designed to provide Main Street practitioners with advanced tools and strategies to address complex revitalization projects and initiatives.

This train-the-trainer workshop includes instructional sessions led by experts in the field, hands-on projects showcasing communities implementing strategic approaches to Main Street revitalization, and real-world case studies and network-building activities.

Come with examples of your downtown district’s greatest challenges, dive into data-driven approaches, and leave with step-by-step guidance and tools to lead successful transformation strategies in your own community. 

When: Fall 2026

Where: TBA

Workshop Partners: TBA

Hotel & Travel Logistics: TBA
 

Rates: $800 Member | $1,000 Non-Member 

Included: 

• Complimentary beverage and hearty appetizers at the Main Street Social the night before the workshop’s first day, plus breakfast and lunch for workshop days
• Specially priced hotel rates and transportation between the host communities
• Eligibility for AICP and MSARP credit
• Custom data snapshot of your community — a $750 value!

Registration: TBA

Member Discounts: Main Street America members are eligible to receive a discount on this workshop.

Credit: AICP members can earn Certification Maintenance (CM) credits for this activity. More information about AICP’s CM program can be found here >

Main Street America Revitalization Professional: Completion of this workshop counts toward Main Street America’s tiered credential pathway. Stay tuned for the unveiling of our new learning model later this year! Get a sneak peek at the new MSARP credential pathway here >

Instructors: Staff instructors bring the curriculum alive with decades of experience in design, place-based community revitalization, capacity building, strategic planning, and data analysis. Stay tuned for 2026 instructors!

Learning Objectives: 

• Integrate Quantitative and Qualitative Insights — Analyze market data snapshots alongside community focus‑group feedback to uncover key trends, challenges, and opportunities for downtown transformation.
• Apply Structured Field Observation Techniques — Conduct on‑site explorations using defined observation lenses (e.g., business mix, physical conditions, customer experience) and synthesize findings into actionable insights.
• Generate and Justify Strategic Options — In teams, generate transformation strategy options grounded in the combined data and observations, clearly articulating the rationale behind each option.
• Foster Collaborative Local Application — Collaborate to adapt the community transformation process for participants’ home communities, ensuring collaboration, accountability, and clear next steps beyond the workshop. 

This workshop is designed for community revitalization champions at all levels and experience, including:

• Local Main Street program staff who steer day‑to‑day district initiatives
• Coordinating program managers and staff supporting communities within a defined region
• Economic development directors & city planners responsible for shaping broader growth strategies
• Nonprofit & foundation leaders investing in place‑based partnerships and capacity‑building
• Municipal staff & elected officials charged with policy, funding, and public‑sector collaboration
• Urban planning and economic development professionals, providing specialized technical assistance to place-based district revitalization efforts
• First-time and returning participants, interested in accelerating positive change in their communities.

Health, Safety & Participation: We are pleased to offer this in-person workshop in accordance with Main Street America’s workshop policies. Please review the following policies prior to registration: Code of Conduct, Health & Safety Guidelines, Notice of Photography.

Cancellations & Refunds: Cancellations communicated more than 14 days in advance of the first course date will be refunded in full. Cancellations occurring less than 14 days in advance of the first course date will be offered a 50% refund. Please note there is a $25.00 processing fee for any cancelled registration. Once the course has begun, we are unfortunately unable to offer a refund. To cancel a registration, please email academy@​mainstreet.​org.
 

Questions? Contact us at academy@​mainstreet.​org.