Thriving Main Streets are built upon a strong foundation — and every foundation needs regular tune-ups to meet the ever-evolving needs of your program and community. The start of a new year is the perfect time to strengthen your understanding and practical knowledge of Organization principles, board management, and lasting leadership. The Academy is here to help! This month, we invite you to focus on your foundation with this curated suite of learning opportunities and resources.

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Focus on the Four Points: Organization

On-demand, anytime

Through six free self-guided courses, learn how you can strengthen your Main Street program by focusing on people, funding, and partnerships. Whether you’re a seasoned executive director or just getting started, this learning experience is designed to help you build momentum and leverage the power of collaboration. Dive into Organization >

Strong Boards for Sustainable Leadership – Last Chance to Register!

January 14, 21, and 28, 2:00 – 3:15 p.m. CT

Tune in for this live, instructor-led course all about effective governance, shared leadership, and clear accountability systems. From fostering board leadership to utilizing organizational systems, this course will equip you with the tools, templates, and strategies needed to help your Main Street program operate with confidence and clarity in 2026 and beyond. Registration closes on January 12. Save your seat >

Coming Soon

Build and Maintain Board Relationships Course

In this first Growing course of our Local Main Street Leader learning journey, embark on a hands-on approach to understanding the principles of board management and develop your own toolkit for ensuring effective leadership through clarity, communication, continuity, and reflection. Stay tuned for more about this deep dive debuting soon!

In the meantime, check out these related courses:

• Managing Professional Relationships
• Effective Communication Strategies for Main Street Leaders
• Strategies for Volunteer Recruitment and Retention
• Foundations of Sustainable Leadership
• Empowering Leadership & Shaping Organizational Culture

Board Member Handbook

A refreshed Main Street Board Member Handbook is in the works! Designed to provide future-proof support for board members and leaders, this revised and renewed resource is a three-in-one publication — reference guide, training tool, and action-ready toolkit. Keep an eye out for the official release.