Main Street Alabama

10/15/2026

Did you know you can see the Alabama Black Belt from space? 🌎

In this clip from Sweet Home Towns, Dr. Tina Naremore Jones talks about unique characteristics of the Alabama Black Belt National Heritage Area.

🎧Listen to Sweet Home Towns wherever you get your podcasts.

Alabama Black Belt Heritage Area

10/15/2026

Main Street Milestone Acknowledgement: Established (10 - 19 Years)

Are you familiar with these established Main Street districts? Over the years, they've taken on new projects, worked through new challenges and kept their downtowns moving forward.

Main Street work is never done, and we're glad to celebrate the years of work that have brought these communities to this milestone.

10/15/2026

Registration closes tomorrow, 10/16 at 10AM! Visit https://lp.constantcontactpages.com/ev/reg/bhxjgrn/lp/f763d766-2dc0-40a0-8ec8-34ca380e5ee5 to register today!

Registration is open! Discover how data-driven decisions help create vibrant downtowns where businesses thrive and long-term investment follows. Visit https://ow.ly/chPz50ZTELn to register today.

10/14/2026

We recently visited downtown Columbiana for our annual check-in with the local Main Street program. These visits are a chance to talk through progress, discuss challenges, and make sure local programs have the support and resources they need.

*Professional photography by Atlus Productions

Columbiana Main Street

10/13/2026

We asked Main Street Alabama President/State Coordinator Mary Wirth why she fell in love with Main Street.

"Because it gives me a chance to change the world just a little bit at a time!" she said. "In my 20+ years of experience with Main Street, it is so wonderful to be able to look back and know that I got to be a part of something so special in so many different places. It isn’t always easy work. It is ALWAYS rewarding and worthwhile work."

10/12/2026

⭐Main Street Alabama Grant Recipient Project: Alleyway Sculpture Design

With support from Main Street Alabama’s Project Grant program, Decatur Downtown Redevelopment Authority is building on the success of the Sonny Side Alley project with plans for a new phase that continues to transform underutilized space into a vibrant pedestrian connection.

This project focuses on the design of an aerial, LED-lit sculpture to be installed in the alley between Johnston and Moulton Street. The installation will be mounted along the municipal parking deck, creating a visually engaging feature that also provides added lighting for the space.

Once completed, the sculpture will help connect key destinations including nearby lodging, parking, and student housing, making the alley a more inviting and functional pathway. It will also improve visibility and safety in the evening hours while adding a distinctive artistic element to downtown.

Main Street Alabama is proud to have contributed $20,000 toward this project, supporting creative design work that lays the foundation for future placemaking and continued investment in Downtown Decatur.

10/10/2026

Have you heard the word on the street? Stay up to date with Main Street Alabama by signing up for our quarterly newsletter! Visit https://www.mainstreetalabama.org/newsletter/ to join!

10/09/2026

Across the Network | Pelham, Alabama

Founded as a small agricultural and railroad hub, the city of Pelham has transformed into a thriving, modern suburb known for its premier outdoor recreation. As a new Network member, Pelham is beginning important conversations about an identified neighborhood commercial district and the opportunities ahead.

We recently met with local leaders to gather information and discuss district goals and priorities. As a benefit of being a Network Community, Pelham has now received a custom annual report with practical recommendations for next steps to help begin their district revitalization journey.

City of Pelham

10/08/2026

Do your current codes help or hurt revitalization efforts?

In this clip from Sweet Home Towns, Jason Fondren of KPS Group talks about the development of the Main Street Alabama DeCoding Downtown Guide resource.

Want to check out the guide? Visit https://ow.ly/yKmZ50ZQn5T

🎧Listen to Sweet Home Towns wherever you get your podcasts.

10/08/2026

Main Street Milestone Acknowledgement: Longstanding (20+ Years)

Did you know these districts have been designated for over 20 years? That's two decades or more of showing up for their downtowns, adapting to change and continuing the work. And as we like to say, Main Street work is never done. We're proud to celebrate these longstanding communities and all they've accomplished along the way.