Main Street, Wheeling, West Virginia

photo by: Ben Muldrow

Building Stronger Communities

Promoting progress through preservation.

A cross the country, forward-thinking Americans are revitalizing neighborhoods into places we want to call home. These vibrant, inclusive communities nourish our bodies, support our families, and feed our spirits. At the heart of each revitalization lies a unique cultural heritage, one that’s inextricably linked to the historic buildings where people live, play, and work.

On main streets across rural America, and in urban areas from Miami to Los Angeles, the National Trust for Historic Preservation helps community leaders unlock the potential of their historic fabric to promote prosperity, foster equity, and encourage sustainability.

With the support of people like you, we are driving investment through new policy tools, catalytic rehabilitation projects, and innovative place-making work. We’re showing that preservation and progress aren’t just compatible, but integral to building stronger communities.

Are you a community leader seeking examples of fresh approaches to preservation projects across the country? We invite you to check out the Lead the Change Case Study Explorer (external) and consider submitting case studies from your own work, too!

Developing Local Economies: Main Street America

Alberta Main Street in Portland, Oregon.

Main Street America, a subsidiary of the National Trust, leads a movement committed to strengthening communities through preservation-based economic development in older and historic downtowns and neighborhood commercial districts.

Advocating for Essential Tools: Historic Tax Credits

Exterior shot

Historic tax credit projects increase property values, draw new businesses, attract new residents, and enlarge the tax base—which is why the National Trust works to protect and strengthen this valuable preservation tool.