167: How America’s Main Streets Are Fighting Back—The Wabash Playbook

Hometown History

Nearly every American town has the same heart-in-crisis story: a once-bustling Main Street hollowed out by big-box stores, sprawl, and online shopping. In this episode, Shane zooms out to look at the nationwide Main Street movement—then zooms in on Wabash, Indiana as a living lab that shows what’s possible anywhere. You’ll hear the origin of the National Main Street Center’s “Four-Point Approach,” meet the people who tested it on the ground, and pick up practical lessons you can apply whether you’re in Vermont, Texas, or Alaska.

Featured Cities & Towns

- Wabash, IN

- Madison, IN

- Kansas City, MO

- Fort Wayne, IN

- Richmond, IN

- Indianapolis, IN

- Minneapolis, MN

If you are intersted in learning more about Wabash County, Indiana check out the ThriveIN Wabash County Podcast.

Voices & Contributors

• Kathy La Plante – Vice President of Coordinating Programs, Main Street America
• Steve Downs – Former Executive Director and current Board Member, Downtown Wabash, Inc.
• Kellie Brace – Artist; former downtown business & building owner; co-founder, Wabash First Friday
• Scott Long – Mayor, City of Wabash, Indiana
• Christine Flohr – Executive Director, Visit Wabash County
• Tyler Karst – Former Project Coordinator, Downtown Wabash, Inc.
• Amanda Lopez – President, Transform Consulting Group; Chair, Board of Directors, Downtown Wabash, Inc.
• Kelly Bever – Owner, Downtown Nutrition
• Kelly Thompson – Manager, Modoc’s Market

Links & Resources

• Main Street America: https://www.mainstreet.org
• Downtown Wabash, Inc.: https://downtownwabash.org

Call to Action

- Show Some Main-Street Love: Share your own downtown comeback (or cautionary tale) on Facebook or Instagram with #HometownHistory and tag @‌itshometownhistory so we can highlight your story

- Spread the Word: Enjoyed the show? Leave a quick rating or review on Apple Podcasts or Spotify. Your 60 seconds helps other history lovers find the podcast.

- Support the Mission: Unlock ad-free episodes, bonus interviews, and behind-the-scenes research by joining Apple Podcasts Premium or Patreon

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