Getting Started

Next Steps

Are you working with a group of local stakeholders, committed to the revitalization of your historic downtown or neighborhood commercial corridor? Perhaps you have had fits and starts with downtown development but need a network of professionals to support your efforts? Read on.

The Illinois Main Street program is comprised of communities across the state who are working towards or excelling at revitalizing and sustaining a thriving downtown district. Applications to join the program are competitive and on-going.

Step 1: Schedule introductions to learn more about Main Street 101 and Illinois Main Street Application.
Step 2: Email us for the application at illinoismainstreet@mainstreet.org.
Step 3: New program participants selected and notified.

If you’re looking for resources or ways to get involved prior to the next onboarding period, here are some suggestions:

  • Sign-up for the IMS newsletter for updates around the network, as well as quarterly virtual and in-person workshops.

  • Become a General Member of Main Street America. Membership includes access to hundreds of online resources, a national network of professionals, and discounts to trainings.

  • Attend the Main Street Now Conference. Each year, this national gathering of Main Street programs provides a broad-view of downtown development issues, including sessions for first-time attendees.

We encourage all interested communities to connect with us at illinoismainstreet@mainstreet.org to tell us about your program.

Illinois Main Street Membership

Join the IMS Network
Community partners with a passion for downtown revitalization participating a la carte for networking, trainings and other technical services.

  • Attend quarterly trainings and annual Illinois Main Street Conference.

  • Start to learn the Main Street Approach.

Affiliate & Accredited Communities Main Benefits

One (1) year of Main Street America community membership. This includes all regular benefits included with this membership level.

Opportunity to enter into a license agreement to use Main Street America Trademarks.

One technical assistance visit per year.*

One assessment visit conducted bi-annually.*

Network-wide webinars on topics including Main Street overview, Main Street Approach and leadership development.

Three (3) statewide quarterly training workshops for Directors and volunteers.

Bi-monthly Virtual Network Meetings & phone consultation/coaching, as needed.

One (1) Illinois Main Street Conference Registration.

One (1) Main Street Now Conference Registration.

  • Aspiring

    Community partners interested in or starting downtown revitalization efforts, want to network with other communities and attend trainings on downtown and commercial district redevelopment, but are not yet seeking in-depth services.

  • Affiliate

    Communities with a pathway to economic, social, physical and organizational improvements in their downtown and commercial districts that want to network with others, attend training on the downtown redevelopment process and develop deeper economic development plan for their district.

  • Accredited Achievement

    Communities applying to participate in evaluation for the top tier recognition, signifying commitment to revitalization efforts and a track record of successfully applying the Main Street Approach. Assessment is in partnership with Main Street America based on 6 national accredidation standards.
    1. Broad-based Community Commitment to Revitalization
    2. Inclusive Leadership and Organizational Capacity
    3. Diversified Funding and Sustainable Program Operations
    4. Strategy-Driven Programming
    5. Preservation-Based Economic Development
    6. Demonstrated Impact and Results