Visitors enjoy the newly renovated Cotton Avenue Plaza, where a Confederate monument stood before being relocated to Rose Hill Cemetery. © DSTO Moore
Great American Main Street Award
Recognizing Exceptional Main Streets
Madison Main Street Program accepts their 2024 Great American Main Street Award. © Alicia Gallo
Leading by Example
Main Street America’s signature awards programs recognize and celebrate Main Street programs and leaders.
Click on the cards below to learn more about our awards programs and meet previous winners.
Wytheville, Virginia © Downtown Wytheville Inc.
Mary Means Leadership Award
Celebrating Outstanding Leaders
Royal Oak, Michigan © Royal Oak DDA
Main Street Forward Awards
Applauding Main Street Resiliency
Recent Recipients
2024 Great American Main Street Award
“Macon, Madison, and Monroeville serve as exemplary models for reenergizing downtown districts through collective action. Though each organization is unique in their approach, they all demonstrate excellence in fostering vibrant downtowns through grassroots economic development, preservation with a purpose, and creative problem solving.”
- Erin Barnes, Main Street America President & CEO
NewTown Macon, in Macon, Georgia, is recognized for leading a community-driven effort that nurtures local talent, fosters sustainable development, and promotes inclusivity.
Macon, Georgia © Mike Young Photography
In Madison, Indiana, Madison Main Street Program fosters a welcoming culture, celebrates historic preservation, and champions community collaboration.
Madison, Indiana © Austin Sims
Monroeville Main Street, in Monroeville, Alabama, is celebrated for facilitating an incredible renaissance rooted in economic vitality, thoughtful design, and the literary arts.
Monroeville, Alabama © Pierce Drones
2023 Mary Means Leadership Award
“John is the most compassionate and dedicated community development champion that I know…He is a staunch supporter of our Main Street Oakland County communities, and we are fortunate to have the opportunity to work with him for the betterment of our downtowns!”
- Kristi Trevarrow, Rochester Downtown Development Authority Executive Director
Honoring John Bry for his ability to develop innovative ideas, build organizational capacity of local programs and leaders, and lead through understanding as program coordinator at Main Street Oakland County in Michigan.
John Bry © John Bry
2020 Main Street Forward Awards
“The recipients of the Main Street Forward Awards have demonstrated inspiring creativity and entrepreneurial thinking in the face of existential challenges to their downtowns. While their projects are wide-ranging, these Main Street programs have all stepped in to rebuild more sustainable, resilient, and equitable communities. I know that their work will serve as an example to communities across the country of the perseverance of the Main Street Movement.”
- Patrice Frey, Main Street America President and CEO (2013−2022)
Recognizing six downtown commercial districts that demonstrated exemplary recovery and resilience efforts amid the multiple crises of 2020.
Royal Oak, Michigan © Royal Oak DDA
Vulcan Statue © Art Meripol
Main Street Now 2024
Birmingham, Alabama
Join fellow commercial district revitalization leaders from across the country for three days of insightful education sessions, unique special events, immersive mobile workshops, and memorable experiences.
Register Now!