A note from Amanda Elliott, Vice President of Field Services for Main Street America: hard work really does pay off. Celebrating a successful conference in Eureka, big moves for CAMS leadership and a new chapter for CAMS.

Newsworthy nuggets from our CAMS communities–from big leadership moves to scentscaping in Ukiah, dog days in Cardiff, East Oakland vibes, new gateway signage in Bellflower and a historic hotel reuse in San Luis Obispo.

In September, 65 Main Street professionals from 18 communities across the state gathered in Eureka for three days of educational sessions, networking, and professional development.

A note from Amanda Elliott, Senior Program Officer and Director of California Programs: Setting the stage for an exciting season. Our CAMS at the CAP Advocacy Day was a success with a full calendar of engaged lawmakers. The CAMS Board recently began drafting a new organizational work plan based on member survey feedback. Exciting developments ahead.

Newsworthy nuggets from our CAMS communities–from making space for everyone in East Oakland to Good Vibes in Ocean Beach to the preservation battle to save a historic hotel in Ukiah.

Rick Wright, co-founder and longtime CEO of MainStreet Oceanside, is retiring after decades of supporting the small business community in Oceanside. Rick spent many of those years supporting CAMS as the President of the Board. He is passing the torch to Gumaro Escarcega, the current CAMS Board President.

A group of Main Street leaders from across the state recently traveled to Sacramento to meet with state lawmakers for our inaugural CAMS at the CAP advocacy day.

A note from Amanda Elliott, Senior Program Officer and Director of California Programs: The holidays are upon us! Our gratitude goes to the Main Street professionals who hosted our recent webinars focused on retail trends, assessment districts, and housing. What’s the secret of our success? Community!

Newsworthy nuggets from our CAMS communities–from saving historic buildings and big fundraising wins to uniting cities through art and new parking investments.

Explore our curated list of Main Street-related podcasts. From placemaking trends to California housing experts to first-person stories from small business owners.

We welcome Vallejo Main Street back to the network and share the latest on Downtown SLO and Downtown Vacaville’s recent leadership transitions.

Join Michael Powe, Ph.D., Senior Director of Research at Main Street America for a discussion on housing and the role Main Streets play in addressing the supply and cost of housing in their downtown districts. Registration is required.

This holiday season, rally your communities around the small businesses that help make your downtown thrive. Encourage your community to Shop Small® on Small Business Saturday and throughout the holiday season by applying to be a Neighborhood Champion today.

Join host Carson Lambeth of Civitas Advisors for a breakdown of assessment districts by type and function. Learn the basics of district formation, day to day management, and more. Registration is required.

In an award-winning Southern California village by the sea, there’s a wave of energy pushing the business community and tourism efforts forward. That mighty force of nature is Christine Davis, Executive Director at Carlsbad Village Association (CVA). In her nearly 8 years with the organization, Christine has taken her community to new heights.

A note from Amanda Elliott, Senior Program Officer and Director of California Programs: This summer, our Main Street organizations hosted some of the most unique events drawing thousands to their districts and providing a platform for small businesses and entrepreneurs to grow. Next up, an exciting educational webinar on PBIDs planned for October.

Newsworthy nuggets from our CAMS communities - from historic piers to birthday cheers, bikeshares, and beyond.

Welcome Destination Crenshaw to the network and Blake Fisher, Viva Downtown Redding to our Board of Directors. Congratulations to Arcata Main Street and Leucadia 101 Main Street on their recent leadership transitions.

Join us for a discussion with Matt Wagner, Ph.D, Senior Program Officer at Main Street America outlining retail trends, their impacts on small business owners, and innovations for your districts.

AB 1669, The California Historically Significant Commercial District Initiative, was held in the Appropriations Committee of the California State Assembly and will not be moving forward this legislative session.

The bill gathered considerable momentum with advocates from inside and outside the Capital with over 30 Main Street Communities and their allies submitting letters of support.