Jul 29, 20223 min read

FUTURE-FOCUSED MAIN STREET

Main Street America has released an updated strategic plan to propel our communities forward and uplift our neighborhoods and small businesses.

2021 Main Street Annual Gala & Dessert Auction

The National Trust for Historic Preservation began its national Main Street movement in 1979, with Madison as one of three pilot communities. Madison Main Street is a team of residents, business owners, property owners, and civic leaders working together to ensure that downtown Madison is a vibrant place to live, work, shop, dine, visit, and play. Madison Main Street is a 501(c) 3 non-profit organization designated by Indiana Main Street and accredited by the National Main Street Center. Madison is one of more than 1,200 Main Street communities across the country with the common goal of preserving America’s historic downtown as economically vital centers of the community.

Madison’s historic downtown district is economically vibrant, with shops, restaurants, and nightlife serving local residents as well as a large number of tourists and visitors. With more than 18 events organized annually, we ensure the investment in our non-profit mission is measurable and promotes all things local. Our volunteers get things done! MMSP is made up of a volunteer-based board and committee leadership. Paid staff follows through with the initiatives and day-to-day organization that is strategically planned by the volunteer base.

As a Nationally Accredited Main Street Program, MMSP is proud to adopt the initiatives included in the updated Strategic Plan from Main Street America.

Bold, Ambitious, Actionable

"Main Street America’s new Strategic Plan will guide our work for the next 5-10 years, building on our legacy and core purpose, while recognizing the rapidly changing environment shaping our work. We invite you to learn more about our updated vision, mission, values, and long-term objectives that will provide the roadmap for Main Street America going forward..."

Vision: Our Aspiration for the Future

Everyone has access to an inclusive and resilient Main Street – a place that has a thriving local economy, is distinctive and rich in character, and features welcoming spaces and diverse businesses for residents and visitors alike.

Mission: Our Purpose as an Organization

Main Street America leads a collaborative movement with partners and grassroots leaders that advances shared prosperity, creates resilient economies, and improves the quality of life through place-based economic development and community preservation in downtowns and neighborhood commercial districts across the country.

Values: What We Stand For

Community-driven - Our model is based on grassroots community leadership and buy-in. We are committed to centering on the people who power local economies and lifting up the voices of residents and stakeholders.

Collaboration & Partnership - We believe effective and lasting change happens through meaningful partnerships and intentional collaboration with an engaged network of stakeholders.

Equitable & Inclusive - At the core of our approach to revitalization is a commitment to creating places of shared prosperity, equal access to opportunity, and inclusive engagement. We are dedicated to advancing a deeper understanding of and action around anti-racism as an organization and a network.

Resilient & Future-focused - Central to our mission is helping communities take advantage of resources and opportunities that will help them better withstand crises and shocks that lay ahead (e.g. climate change, economic shifts, and social challenges.)

Community Preservation-based - We are committed to building on the past of our built environment and cultural legacy. We do this by promoting adaptive reuse, celebrating community character, and honoring the cultural diversity of communities.

Support Small for Greater Impact - We believe that supporting entrepreneurs, small businesses, and small-scale development builds community wealth and creates meaningful investment in communities.