Join the Movement - Become a Main Street
Welcome to the Indiana Main Street Application Process!
We're excited that your community is considering Indiana Main Street as a partner in revitalizing and strengthening your historic downtown commercial district. This program is designed to support local leaders, foster collaboration and provide the tools needed to create a vibrant and thriving downtown that reflects your community's identity and vision.
- Start by reviewing the What is Indiana Street? page to gain a solid understanding of the program, its purpose and the benefits it offers to participating communities.
- Reach out to your region's Community Liaison from the Office of Community and Rural Affairs for an introduction to the Indiana Main Street program and to discuss your intent to apply (if applicable).
- Attend a Main Street 101 session, held each summer. Check the Indiana Main Street Calendar for dates.
Application Pathways for Indiana Main Street Communities
New/Returning Communities
New and returning communities interested in joining Indiana Main Street (IMS) will apply for the OCRA Downtown Affiliate Network (ODAN) level. This is the starting point for all applicants beginning their Main Street process, including communities that previously participated and wish to return. The application process begins each summer. For dates, check out the Indiana Main Street Calendar.
ODAN Communities
Current ODAN communities are eligible to apply for the Aspiring-IAMS 1-3 year program if they have maintained ODAN status for at least one year. Applications open each summer, please contact your Community Liaison informing them of your community's intention to apply.
Aspiring Indiana Main Street Communities
Aspiring-IAMS communities receive an annual accreditation visit at the beginning of each year to evaluate their progress toward achieving Indiana Accredited Main Street (IAMS) status. Only Aspiring-IAMS communities are eligible to level up to an IAMS community.
Indiana Accredited Main Street Communities
Indiana Accredited Main Street (IAMS) communities interested in advancing to the Nationally Accredited Main Street (NAMS) level will submit a letter of intent to Indiana Main Street as well as their Community Liaison in the summer. The community will then receive an accreditation visit in the fall or winter to determine their status.
Please monitor the Indiana Main Street Calendar for upcoming due dates and available technical assistance opportunities.
If you have any questions, please contact your Community Liaison.
Application Timeline: Key Dates and Deadlines for the 2026-2027 Application Cycle
All deadlines close at 11:59 p.m. ET unless otherwise noted.
- August 3 - ODAN and IAMS Letter of Intent window opens; Aspiring-IAMS application opens
- October 2 - Letters of Intent and Foundational Requirement Verification due for ODAN and IAMS
- October 6 - ODAN applications open for invited communities
- December 31 - ODAN and Aspiring-IAMS applications due
- Spring 2027 - All designations announced
- ODAN Level Application Process:
Applicants interested in joining OCRA's Downtown Affiliate Network (ODAN) qualify if they are working to build the capacity needed to implement the Man Street Four Point Approach (at least two of the four points). ODAN membership may also include organizations that are implementing the Four Point Approach but do not meet OCRA's definition of Historic Preservation Ethic and/or Fabric.
- Aspiring IAMS Capacity Building Program:
Applicants interested in participating in the Aspiring IAMS Capacity Building Program qualify if they are actively developing their capacity to implement the fill Main Street Four Point Approach, meeting the Baseline Requirements and the Main Street America Standards, as well as working toward achieving the Indiana Accredited Main Street Standards. Applcants must also be current ODAN communities.
- Click here for the Aspiring-IAMS Capacity Building Program 2026-2027.
- Click here for the Aspiring-IAMS Baseline Requirements, Accreditation standards, Self-Assessment Tool and Benchmark Report.
- Click here for the Aspiring-IAMS self-scoring worksheet.
- Click here for the Aspiring-IAMS application.
- Click here for sample documents that can assist in the application process (these documents should only be used as guides).
- Click here for the Aspiring-IAMS Application Rubric
- Indiana Accredited Main Street Program:
Applicants interested in participating IAMS Program are current Aspiring-IAMS communities that have implemented the full Main Street Four Point Approach and have achieved all Baseline Requirements and Standards established by Main Street America. Aspiring-IAMS communities receive an annual accreditation visit, which determines their eligibility to advance to Indiana Accredited Main Street status. Once accepted as an IAMS, communities will receive a biannual visit to confirm continued achievement of the requrements established by Main Street America.
- Nationally Accredited Main Street Program:
Applicants interested in participating in the Nationally Accredited Main Street (NAMS) Program quality if they have the capacity to implement the full Main Street Four Point Approac, meet the Baseline Requirements and satisfy the Nationally Accredited Main Street Standards. Eligible communities must also employ a full-time equivalent staff members, maintain an office located within the main street district and demonstrate successful execution of transformation strategies.
To apply, communities must already hold Indiana Accredited Main Street (IAMS) status.
Main Street Ready
This technical assistance program seeks to assist communities to set strategic priorities for downtown revitalization based on the community’s vision for downtown.
Prior to participating in Main Street Ready, the community must attend an Indiana Main Street 101 within 12 months of applying or be a current OCRA Downtown Affiliated Network community. ODAN communities must indicate a desire to level-up within the Indiana Main Street program in their annual reporting prior to applying to be eligible.
Main Street Ready is offered by OCRA community liaisons and Indiana Main Street staff.
Main Street Ready includes the following steps:
- Online Community Survey – Gather input from stakeholders about the state of your downtown.
- Document Review – Community will send information like downtown business list, planning documents and organizational documents to their Community Liaison and Indiana Main Street program manager.
- On-Site Community Visit – Indiana Main Street and your community liaison will do a walking assessment of the downtown and conduct interviews throughout the day with various community partners.
- Final Report – Four weeks after the visit, the community will receive a report with the survey results, community data and recommendations for the community as they pursue downtown improvement activities.
*Prior to requesting this technical assistance visit, a community would need to attend a Main Street 101 meeting.
To request Main Street Ready technical assistance, please reach out to your community liaison or email indianamainstreet@ocra.in.gov.