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. Schedule introductions to learn more about Main Street 101 and Illinois Main Street Network Member Application..

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

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 is a membership level designed for municipalities, chambers of commerce, tourism agencies, and economic development organizations. This level is a starting place and does not have any requirements and is perfect for communities or organizations engaged in 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

Aspiring Member designation is for communities interested in improving economic vitality of their downtowns with the ultimate goal of becoming a Designated Member. To be eligible for organizational capacity building, trainings, and resources, new communities must enter into a competitive application process. 

$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.

DESIGNATED 

A Nationally Designated Affiliate or Accredited Member is the most prestigious level of membership. The communities at this level are committed to running a local Main Street program and adhere to the Community Evaluation Standards. This designation allows for expanded support, technical assistance and access to grant programs.

$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.

Competitive application process must be completed.