Thriving Main Streets are built upon a strong foundation—and every foundation needs regular tune-ups to meet the ever-evolving needs of your program and community. The Main Street America Academy is here to help! This month, we invite you to focus on your foundation with this curated suite of courses, learning opportunities, and resources.
Kent, Ohio. Photo by EmiLee Hartman
Registration for our most anticipated and highest-impact professional development opportunity is open! From inspiring plenaries and immersive mobile workshops to engaging education sessions and interactive activities, the 2026 Main Street Now Conference in Tulsa, Oklahoma, April 13 – 15, offers countless opportunities to strengthen your network, gain new skills, and find solutions to issues impacting your community. Join us!
Mi Cultural Mural. Photo by Alejandro Garcia
Strong boards build strong Main Streets. But how do you develop and sustain effective governance, shared leadership, and accountability structures? Our Strong Boards for Sustainable Leadership course is here to help! Get a jumpstart on your 2026 organizational goals with this transformative course starting January 14.
Tasha Sams, Director of Education, shares an exciting update about the next chapter for the Main Street America Revitalization Professional credential and what it means for you right now.
Photo by True Light Photography
Running a successful Main Street program requires passion, dedication, and solid organizational systems. Learn how to identify and evaluate inefficient systems, and how to turn hurdles into helpers with this three-part, peer-instructor course starting December 3, 2025. Come with a desire to explore systems-based thinking and walk away with the clarity, structure, and confidence to lead with intention.
We've just added four new, free, self-guided Local Main Street Leader learning journey courses in the Main Street America Academy. From a deep dive into market analysis to strategies for building trust, each course is designed to support your abilities to launch your leadership efforts to the next level.
Mission-driven work is tough, requiring changemakers to navigate stressful situations and develop resilience. Learning how to listen to and work with your body can help! Join us on Thursday, November 13, for Reclaim Resilience: Nervous System Practices for Sustainable Leadership, a workshop for impact-driven changemakers interested in learning practical nervous system regulation techniques that support clarity, presence, and sustainable leadership.
We've just debuted three new free courses in the Main Street America Academy—Foundations: The Main Street Approach, Introduction to Conflict Resolution, and Managing Professional Relationships. Take your leadership skills to the next level with these invaluable building blocks.
Deepen your knowledge, bring your vision to life, and expand your impact with our latest Main Street America Academy course. Whether you’re navigating your first grant or hosting a community event, the Local Main Street Leader Launching module is designed to support your growth without burning out.
Generously sponsored by U.S. Bank, this live, three-week course centers the real challenges of entrepreneurs and equips Main Street leaders with invaluable insights and practical tools to respond. Register today!
Oregon City, Oregon. Photo by Adam Wickham.
