MSA Hill Day: California Main Street Leaders Return To Washington DC
Participants in Main Street America’s Hill Day (Courtesy: Main Street America)
By: Brooke Fox, State Coordinator
On February 10-12, CAMS leaders, Main Street America staff, and supporters traveled to Washington, D.C. to meet with federal lawmakers during the fourth annual Main Street America Hill Day.
Now in its fourth year, Main Street Hill Day is a nationwide advocacy effort led by Main Street America. This year, 75 Main Street leaders from 28 states and Washington, D.C., joined more than a dozen advocates for three days of engagement on Capitol Hill. The event provided an opportunity to connect lawmakers and their staff with the Main Street mission both in California and across the country, highlight the impactful work taking place in CAMS communities, and discuss strategies to help Main Street districts thrive.
The California delegation, led by State Coordinator Brooke Fox, participated in a Constituent Coffee hosted by Alex Padilla and Adam Schiff, and held 10 meetings with members of the House representing 17 of the 30 CAMS communities. Joining the delegation were Toni Symonds (Policy Works CA), Lynda Tran (Main Street America Board Member), and Lauren Rosenbaum (LISC). Conversations focused on introducing the CAMS Program, sharing the “Why Buying Small and Local Makes $ense” campaign, and advancing key legislative priorities, including H.R. 3585: Capacity Building for Business Districts Pilot Program. Lawmakers and their staff were particularly interested in learning how Main Street programs have been affected by recent government funding cuts.
The event included a reception at Eastern Market, where Main Street America presented its inaugural Main Street Policy Impact Award. The award recognizes congressional champions who have demonstrated strong leadership in advocating for the needs of Main Street communities. This year’s honorees were Mike Ezell and Troy Carter.
Read More: Main Spotlight: Main Street Hill Day Supports Small Businesses and Economic Development
Learn more about California Main Street’s advocacy priorities and discover how Main Street communities and their supporters can take action.