Is joining the Main Street Network Membership Program the same as becoming a Main Street organization?
No. Although the terminology is similar, they are two different processes. The Center offers the National Main Street Network Membership as a service in order to provide information and benefits to any individual, agency, or organization interested in preservation-based commercial district revitalization. For an annual subscription of $195 members receive a monthly newsletter, access to member’s only information, and other benefits. Being designated as a Main Street program by a statewide or citywide Main Street coordinating program is a completely different process, which requires an application to that coordinating organization. In order to call yourself a Main Street organization in most states, you must be designated by the statewide program. In states without statewide organizations, communities may self-initiate an independent program.
