Getting Started
Getting Started
Every great downtown starts with a small group of people who care deeply about their community. If you’re part of a team of local leaders, business owners, or volunteers who want to see your historic downtown or neighborhood commercial district thrive again — you’re in the right place.
Illinois Main Street exists to help communities unlock their full potential. Our statewide network brings together practitioners, partners, and peers who share a common goal: to revitalize downtowns as vibrant centers of commerce, culture, and connection.
Through Illinois Main Street, communities gain access to proven tools, expert guidance, and a supportive statewide network that helps turn good intentions into real, lasting results. Whether you’re just getting organized or ready to take your revitalization work to the next level, we’re here to guide you every step of the way.
Why Main Street?
Main Street isn’t just a program — it’s a movement. It’s about protecting the places that tell your community’s story while creating opportunities for growth, investment, and belonging. The Main Street Approach™ provides a practical, people-centered framework that has helped thousands of communities across the country bring their downtowns back to life.
By joining Illinois Main Street, your community becomes part of a statewide learning network connected to Main Street America, gaining access to resources, mentorship, and momentum that make revitalization sustainable.
How to Get Involved
1. Learn the basics.
Schedule an introductory conversation to learn about the Main Street Approach™ and what it takes to become part of the Illinois Main Street Network.
2. Stay connected.
Subscribe to the Illinois Main Street newsletter for statewide updates, professional development opportunities, and stories of impact from communities like yours.
3. Join the national movement.
Become a General Member of Main Street America to access hundreds of online resources, peer connections, and training discounts.
4. Experience the energy.
Attend the annual Main Street Now Conference — the nation’s premier gathering for downtown and commercial district leaders. It’s an inspiring way to see what’s possible and meet others who are doing the same work.
Ready to begin your Main Street journey? Connect with us by emailing Erik Reader, Director of Illinois Main Street at ereader@mainstreet.org — we’d love to hear about your community and how we can help you get started.
About Main Street
Starting a Main Street Program
Illinois Main Street Membership
llinois Main Street is proactive in providing its local designated community programs with the tools, training, and technical assistance to be successful at implementing a program of work that follows the principles of the Main Street Approach.
The benefits of membership include:
Invitation to monthly Illinois Main Street statewide calls.
Participate in educational workshops covering a wide range of topics including the Main Street Approach, historic preservation, economic development, nonprofit leadership, and organizational management.
Attend Main Street Mixers with peers in the industry.
One (1) complimentary Illinois Main Street Annual Conference registration.
Listing in Illinois Main Street member network communities guide.
Receive monthly newsletter featuring downtown revitalization trends, news, training events, and program updates.
Opportunity to apply for Illinois Main Street grant programs.
On-site technical assistance visits and virtual consultations.
Trainings for Main Street staff members, board members, and volunteers.
Annual work planning and strategy assistance.
Field Services Transformation Strategy to align community vision and market data with organization activities.
One (1) year of Main Street America community membership. This includes all regular benefits included with this membership level.
One (1) complimentary Main Street Now Conference registration.
Opportunity to enter into a licensing agreement to use Main Street America Trademarks for Affiliate and Accredited Communities.
Choose your plan
NETWORK
The Network Member level is ideal for municipalities, chambers of commerce, tourism agencies, and economic development organizations that are actively supporting downtown or commercial district revitalization efforts.
This entry-level membership provides access to the Illinois Main Street network, resources, and learning opportunities — without formal program requirements. It’s the perfect starting point for communities exploring the Main Street Approach or building early momentum for downtown revitalization.
$500
Invitation to monthly Illinois Main Street statewide calls.
Participate in educational workshops covering a wide range of topics including the Main Street Approach, historic preservation, economic development, nonprofit leadership, and organizational management.
Attend Main Street Mixers with peers in the industry.
One (1) complimentary Illinois Main Street Annual Conference registration.
Listing in Illinois Main Street member network communities guide.
Receive monthly newsletter featuring downtown revitalization trends, news, training events, and program updates.
ASPIRING
The Aspiring Member level is for communities that are ready to take the next step in strengthening the economic vitality of their downtown and working toward full Designated Member status.
Aspiring Members gain access to organizational development support, specialized trainings, and targeted resources to build a strong local Main Street foundation. Entry into this level is competitive and requires participation the Community Accelerator Program designed to assess readiness and commitment to the Main Street Approach™.
$1,250
All Network Member level benefits
Opportunity to apply for Illinois Main Street grant programs.
On-site technical assistance visits and virtual consultations.
Trainings for Main Street staff members, board members, and volunteers.
Annual work planning and strategy assistance.
*Requires one year at Network Member level and participation in the Community Accelerator Program
DESIGNATED
A Designated Member represents the highest recognition within the Main Street network. Communities at this level have achieved National Main Street Affiliate or Accredited status, demonstrating a strong commitment to the Main Street Approach™ and consistent performance in meeting Community Evaluation Standards.
Designated Members operate a fully active local Main Street program and gain access to expanded benefits — including advanced technical assistance, specialized training, and eligibility for select grant opportunities and funding support.
$2,500
All Network & Aspiring Member level benefits
Field Services Transformation Strategy to align community vision and market data with organization activities.
One (1) year of Main Street America community membership. This includes all regular benefits included with this membership level.
One (1) complimentary Main Street Now Conference registration.
Opportunity to enter into a licensing agreement to use Main Street America Trademarks for Affiliate and Accredited Communities.
Must complete the Community Accelerator Program to be eligible for Designated status.