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Introducing:
RI MAIN STREET LEARNING COHORT
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Are you ready to take action on behalf of your commercial district? Between January – June, 2026 Main Street America will be leading monthly workshops here in Rhode Island discussing actual processes for implementing the Four Points and exploring different transformation strategies. This “learning cohort” is designed for groups of people from different communities around RI, with each session including suggested action items to translate talk into concrete steps forward.
We're encouraging communities to apply as a team with multiple organizations and/or dedicated individuals. But the program is primarily about learning - there's no commitment beyond the period of the cohort, and the only cost to participate is a membership to Main Street America ($295 for three people for one year.)
More information will be shared and the application period will open on Saturday October 25th in conjunction with the Main Street Together conference. Attend the conference to learn more!
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MAIN STREET TOGETHER
A Conference for Community Members Across RI Committed to Building Vibrant Main Streets
Saturday, Oct. 25 8:30am to 3:30pm
Cranston High School East
899 Park Avenue, Cranston RI
| | Thanks to recent investments in Main Street RI, we're on the cusp of a new chapter for main streets and commercial corridors across Rhode Island! We invite you to join us. This new chapter launches with our 1st annual conference, Main Street Together, on Saturday, October 25th. If you have big dreams for your main street, you should be there. | | Come prepared for keynotes from seasoned main street leaders including from Main Street America (MSA), Portland, Maine, and Rhode Island's own Clark Schoettle, a co-founder of what grew into MSA! Participate in topical breakout sessions. Connect with others working to build vibrant main streets across RI. | |
Speakers:
- Miriam Parson, Main Street America
- Teresa Valliere, Friends of Woodfords Corner in Portland, Maine
- Clark Schoettle, Co-Founder of the National Trust Main Street Project in 1977
Breakout Sessions:
11:15am
BREAK FOR LUNCH (included with the cost of Registration)
1:15pm
| The conference will conclude with a call for applications for the 2026 Rhode Island Main Street Learning Cohort. This 6-month program will feature extensive training to committed community groups delivered by Main Street America experts. |
Main Street RI is proud to be co-hosting this conference together with the City of Cranston, RI and Main Street America | | Thank You to our Main Street RI Founding Sponsor and Title Conference Sponsor: | | Rhode Island Association of Realtors • DarrowEverett • Nicholas Brown | | |
PRESENTING THE LATEST FROM....
Main Street: a Power of Place Podcast
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Our latest Main Street: A Power of Place Podcast episode features Paul Durfee diving into his main street's history: like did you know that when Durfee Hardware first opened Cranston's Rolfe Square was just an unpaved road at the end of the trolley line?
Other recent episodes include Amerlia Olson of East Providence's Tall Tumbleweed, Cindy Miranda from the Olneyville Neighborhood Association, and Charlie Wilson, owner of Chepachet’s Town Trader Antiques.
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New episodes drop every other Friday. Listen on our website, Apple Podcasts, or Spotify today!
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Word on the Street
Main Street Events
| Love this fun and budget friendly way to both engage kids and attract people to your main street at the same time: hosting a collaborative sidewalk chalk activity! On Oct. 25 from 1-6pm (don't worry -- you still have plenty of time to make our conference earlier in the day) local illustrator Michelle Martins invites you to join her in building a chalk monster piece by piece on the sidewalk of the 195 District Park in Providence. FREE event. We can totally picture this happening along a main street, can't you? | |
Spooktacular Marketplace, Warwick, October 18, 10-3:30: 125+ vendors, kids activities, petting zoo and more. FREE
Bowen's Warf Seafood Festival, Newport, October 18-19: A scenic seaside festival celebrating the “Harvest of the Sea” with fresh local seafood offerings
Richmond Fall Festival, Richmond, October 19, 1-5pm at Richmond Town Hall: come for the scarecrow competition, stay for the craft vendors, food trucks, games and music. FREE
Trick or Treat on Main Street, Chepachet Village, October 25, 12-3pm: where your halloween costume, bring a canned good for donation to the food pantry and trick or treat along the many businesses on Main Street.
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2025 RHODY AWARDS: This Sunday!
Each year, Preserve RI celebrates the remarkable achievements of individuals and organizations for their efforts in utilizing historic preservation to strengthen our communities, improve quality of life, and address social challenges. 10 awardees, spanning from Westerly to Pawtucket to Tiverton, will be honored at the WaterFire Arts Center in Providence on Sunday, October 19th from 4 to 7 PM. Buy your tickets today!
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Reading
Advice and insights from the Natural Disaster and Crisis Response Survey: Main Street America, October 14
How to Add More Housing Downtown: Six Lessons From Real Main Street Communities: Main Street America, October 10
Post-Pandemic Playbook: Reimagining Farmers Markets Today: Project for Public Spaces, October 10
Webinar
Rightsizing Resources in Uncertain Times: November 7, 11-4pm
Hosted by the International Economic Development Forum, this course provides frameworks for navigating resource constraints and disruptions. Through practical exercises, you’ll learn how to prioritize programs, sustain stakeholder support, and communicate effectively under pressure. Free to Register
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Opportunities
The RI Infrastructure Bank Community Project Assistance Fund is currently accepting applications for technical assistance grants supporting design, feasibility analysis, needs assessment, strategic planning, and engineering projects that advance community resiliency, stormwater management improvements, and the enhancement of public infrastructure. DEADLINE: Rolling
T-Mobile Hometown Grant Program
Through T‑Mobile Hometown Grants, towns with a population of 50,000 or less can get up to $50,000 to bring your community project ideas to life. T‑Mobile is investing $25 million in 500 rural towns over five years to jumpstart projects and build stronger communities. DEADLINE: December 31
| | Did a friend forward along this email to you? Make sure you're signed up to receive the next newsletter! | | Share Your Love with Main Street RI by Making a Donation Today. | | Grow Smart RI | www.GrowSmartRI.org | |
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