We are proud to announce the California Main Street programs that have earned Accredited and Affiliate status, as well as the reinvestment impact that our network contributed to their communities in 2022.

Newsworthy nuggets from our CAMS communities - SLO’s award-winning public plaza, Grass Valley’s public plaza-in-the-making, a culinary adventure in Fremont, and more.

A note from Amanda Elliott, Senior Program Officer and Director of California Programs: We’re On The Move! California Main Street is making serious strides to expand our network of communities and provide support to build capacity for our Main Street programs and their businesses.

Welcome to our newest CAMS Members! The communities of San Juan Bautista, Vacaville and Ukiah are joining our network. Our CAMS Board is growing by two new Directors: Karla Robles-Puig of Coronado and Andrea Portillo-Knowles of Richmond. Taylor McDonald brings his knowledge of San Diego Main Streets to his new position as Executive Director of Vacaville.

In February, 78 Main Street professionals from 20+ communities across the state gathered in downtown Oceanside for educational sessions, networking, and professional development. It was an opportunity for all those involved in California commercial district revitalization to learn best practices, key trends, and economic development strategies to support small businesses and communities in a post-pandemic economy.

AB 1669, introduced by Assemblywoman Sharon Quirk-Silva and Co-Authored by Senator Benjamin Allen, would create the California Historically Significant Commercial District Initiative. The bill will create a new state program for commercial corridor organizations like California Main Street to expand technical assistance services, conduct place-specific outreach, and connect your district’s businesses to resources.

The bill would also create a subgrant program for Main Streets and Cultural Districts to execute locally driven strategies in support of underserved small businesses.

There’s a new way for your supporters to show their love for your Main Street program. Category6LED makes mini replicas of iconic gateway signs. Several California Main Street communities, including Carlsbad, Encinitas, Cardiff, Coronado, and Oceanside, have them for sale - and your community could be next!

California continues to endure days of heavy rain, flooding and high winds. CAMS and Main Street America are here to help support our communities across the state during these challenging times.

We've gathered a few timely resources that we hope may offer some assistance in your efforts to keep yourself and your community safe and informed, and to respond to any damage.

Newsworthy nuggets from our CAMS communities - a life-size Han Solo made of bread, Richmond’s got spirit and soul, a witchy invasion in Livermore and more.

A note from Amanda Elliott, Senior Program Officer and Director of California Programs, Main Street America: It is so exciting to see our communities in full swing with vibrant activity! Main Street America has released new information on the update to our Accreditation Standards, site visits have resumed and CAMS welcomed a new team member. Next up: our first in-person CAMS conference in five years!

For 13 years, the Shop Small® movement has helped rally communities around the businesses they love and The Main Street America network has been a proud supporter since the beginning. We hope you’ll join us to help make this year an even bigger success by serving as a 2022 Neighborhood Champion. As in past years, all Main Street America members have been pre-qualified to serve as Neighborhood Champions on a first-come, first served basis.

The CAMS conference is an opportunity for all those involved in California commercial district revitalization to learn best practices, key trends, and economic development strategies to support small businesses as they continue to transform and recover from the pandemic.

The City of Lakeport, population 5,000, is full of small town charm and rich in history dating back over 100 years. Downtown Lakeport is the county seat and sits on the western shore of Clear Lake, one of the oldest lakes in North America. For over 10 years, Lakeport MainStreet Association (LMSA) has been cultivating their community snd inviting us all to spend a day at the lake.

Todd Anderson, Owner of Switchfoot Creative has joined the CAMS Board of Directors, Brooke Fox, Owner of Uptown Fox and former ED of Downtown Vacaville BID, is now onboard as the new Marketing and Communications Consultant for CAMS and Downtown Pleasanton Association has a new Executive Director: Bridget Karl.

In August 2022, Main Street America released new materials and resources designed to help members understand MSA’s new Community Standards. The update includes the Community Evaluation Framework, Community Self-Assessment Tool (v2), and a series of mini videos illustrating the new Standards.

The Pleasanton Downtown Association (PDA) is seeking an Executive Director.

The Westwood Village Improvement Association (WVIA) is seeking an Executive Director to lead the WVIA in assuring the Westwood Business Improvement District (WBID) is a vibrant, clean, safe, and economically vital community.

California Main Street seeks a marketing and communications consultant to support our work backing a diverse network of communities working to revitalize historic commercial districts through a place-based model that fosters inclusive transformation strategies.

We are proud to announce the California Main Street programs that have earned Accredited and Affiliate status, as well as the reinvestment impact that our network contributed to their communities in 2021.

A note from Amanda Elliott, Senior Program Officer and Director of California Programs, Main Street America: It is so exciting to see our communities in full swing with vibrant activity! California Main Street continues to seek funding from the state to support our revitalization efforts and our Main Street programs. We are also seeking new board members and stories about your incredible work…