Which of America’s historic main street districts do Americans feel are the most worthy of preservation support? The answer will be determined by a public vote during the Partners in Preservation Campaign, a program sponsored by American Express and the National Trust for Historic Preservation, in collaboration with Main Street America.

Partners in Preservation is a community-based campaign aimed at raising awareness of the importance of preserving historic places and their role in sustaining local communities. This year’s program, Partners in Preservation: Main Streets, will award $2 million in grants to Main Street districts in need of preservation support across America.

“From first dates to family dinners and shopping trips to nights on the town, America’s thriving historic main streets are where we come together and share experiences that shape our lives and communities,” said Stephanie K. Meeks, president and CEO of the National Trust for Historic Preservation. “We are delighted to celebrate historic main streets across America through this year’s Partners in Preservation program. These historic downtowns are central to our local and national identity and should be preserved for generations to come.”

The public will determine which sites will receive preservation grants by voting for their favorite main streets today through October 31 at VoteYourMainStreet.org, hosted by National Geographic Travel. On November 2, the sites with the most votes will be announced and awarded grants for restoration projects. In addition, the public will also have the opportunity to enter a sweepstakes for a chance to win a trip of their choice to New York, Los Angeles, or Miami, sponsored by this year’s media partner National Geographic.

According to 2016 data from Main Street America, investments in Main Street districts have a significant impact on local economies – encouraging real estate development as well as the creation of new businesses and jobs. In 2016, $4.65 billion reinvested in Main Street improvement programs resulted in 8,042 building rehabilitations, 5,616 business openings, and 27,462 new jobs. Main Street revitalization efforts also help to make our neighborhoods more interesting and welcoming places to live, work and play.

The 25 cities with Main Street districts in contention for Partners in Preservation: Main Streets grants include:

Atlanta
Birmingham, AL
Boston
Cape Girardeau, MO
Casa Grande, AZ
Cincinnati
Detroit
Franklin, TN
Greensboro, NC
Hyde Park, IL
Las Vegas, NM
Los Angeles
McKinney, TX
Miami
New Orleans
New York
Oklahoma City
Philadelphia
Richmond, CA
Salt Lake City
San Diego
Seattle
Steamboat Springs, CO
Washington, D.C.
West Des Moines, IA

For more information and to vote daily through October 31, visit VoteYourMainStreet.org.

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