The Annual Assessment: A Key Tool for Main Street Program Success
April 30, 2025 | Keith Winge
A successful Main Street program consistently implements the Main Street Approach™ in the six Community Evaluation Standards set by Main Street America. To measure the effectiveness and impact of local Main Street programs, Main Street America employs a thorough annual assessment process. This three-part process includes a self-assessment, an on-site verification, and a detailed report designed to help programs identify growth opportunities. Not every Main Street program will receive an on-site verification visit each year.
The Self-Assessment: A Collaborative Approach
The self-assessment is the first step of the three-part annual assessment process. It is a vital group activity that involves the Board of Directors working together, and if applicable, alongside paid staff. It provides an opportunity for program leadership to collectively reflect on their progress and areas for improvement. To complete the self-assessment with one score, Main Street America recommends that the Board of Directors choose between one of two options:
- Score the assessment individually before coming together to collectively finalize the organization’s score
- Work collaboratively during a board meeting to complete the assessment.
While only one score can be submitted through the online platform, this exercise ensures a comprehensive evaluation.
The self-assessment utilizes the Main Street America Evaluation Framework, which was developed in partnership with State Main Street Coordinating Programs. This framework defines the characteristics of highly successful Main Street programs while setting a pathway for the growth of newer initiatives. Based on their performance, programs are designated by Main Street America as Affiliate or Accredited. Missouri Main Street Connection also designates Main Street programs, based on their performance, alongside Main Street America, with a slightly different designated tier structure of Affiliate, Associate, or Accredited. In 2025, Missouri Main Street Connection reviewed 43 local programs’ self-assessments.
Why Annual Assessments Matter
Annual program assessments provide a unique opportunity for local Main Street leaders, volunteers, partners, and organizations like Missouri Main Street Connection (MMSC) to come together, reflect on progress, and identify ways to enhance efforts. It’s a moment to evaluate what’s working, address challenges, and strategize for the future.
On-Site Visit: Goals and Insights
As part of the annual assessment, on-site visits play a critical role in verifying the self-assessment and providing further insights. The goals of these visits include:
- Evaluating how well the Main Street communities, designated by Main Street America, align with the Accreditation Standards.
- Facilitating constructive discussions among local program staff, board members, local government officials, and Main Street America representatives.
- Identifying areas for capacity building and program development.
- Offering recommendations to ensure alignment with Main Street best practices and encouraging continuous improvement.
In 2025, Missouri Main Street Connection and Main Street America conducted on-site visits with eight local programs. Of these, four visits focused on accreditation verification, while the remaining four aimed to provide feedback and best practices for Affiliate Tier programs. As a result of these visits, several programs were elevated to the Associate Tier, showcasing their progress toward achieving accreditation. Stay tuned in the coming weeks for our announcement of which local Main Street programs that were elevated to the Associate Tier in recognition of their work.
Missouri Main Street Connection’s Tiers
Missouri Main Street Connection has three tier designations for Main Street programs:
- Accredited: The highest-performing programs recognized by both Missouri Main Street Connection and Main Street America for their implementation of the six Community Evaluation Standards.
- Associate: Main Street programs that are nearing accreditation by continuing to build support, financial resources, and a strong volunteer base. These programs are making significant progress.
- Affiliate: Main Street programs that are either building a foundation or established and building their capacity to grow and thrive.
Assessment Results & Key Insights
A total of 43 Main Street programs completed the self-assessment, providing valuable insight into their organizational structure and strategic efforts. Here are some key takeaways from the data:
49% of programs have a full- or part-time director.
79% have defined economic strategies to guide their work.
56% have detailed action plans in place.
97% receive financial or in-kind support from their municipality.
69% create an annual report or infographic to communicate their impact.
Preservation-Based Economic Development scored the lowest among the six Community Evaluation Standards, followed by Strategy-Driven Programming. Given these results, MMSC will prioritize additional resources and training opportunities to help programs strengthen these areas, ensuring a greater impact within Missouri’s downtown districts.
The annual assessment process serves as a critical tool for growth, offering Main Street programs the chance to reflect, refine, and advance their efforts. By engaging in self-assessments, on-site evaluations, and strategic planning, organizations can strengthen their leadership, enhance economic strategies, and improve preservation-based development, ultimately driving greater impact in their downtown districts. As Missouri Main Street Connection continues to provide resources and training, programs across the state will have the opportunity to elevate their performance and reach new levels of success. With a commitment to continuous improvement, Main Street programs will remain cornerstones of economic vitality, community engagement, and historic preservation in Missouri and beyond.
