Main Street Fort Dodge has been designated as an Affiliate Main Street America program for meeting rigorous performance standards.

Each year, Main Street America and its partners announce the list of Affiliate programs to recognize their commitment to create meaningful improvements to their downtowns using preservation-based economic development and community revitalization through the Main Street Approach.

“We are very proud to acknowledge this year’s 412 Affiliate Main Street America programs, and their steadfast dedication to nurture economically and culturally vibrant downtown districts,” said Hannah White, interim president and chief executive officer of Main Street America. “The increase in the size and impact of our network speaks volumes to the power of the Main Street movement to respond to the needs of local communities and drive innovative solutions.”

In 2022, Main Street America programs generated $6.2 billion in local reinvestment, helped open 7,657 net new businesses, facilitated the creation of 29,174 net new jobs, catalyzed the rehabilitation of 10,688 historic buildings, and leveraged 1,528,535 volunteer hours.

On average, for every dollar that a Main Street program spent to support their operations, it generated $24.07 of new investment back into their downtown communities. In Fort Dodge the numbers are as follows:

• $22.5 million reinvested locally.

• 32 net new businesses.

• 96 net new jobs.

• 73 buildings rehabilitated.

• 17,000 volunteer hours.

Collectively, 2 million people live or work within the boundaries of designated Main Street America districts. An estimated workforce of 1.1 million people contribute their skills and expertise to advancing the missions of these historic downtowns and commercial corridors.

“In comparison, Fort Dodge is the largest rural Main Street district with 33 blocks under management, and if it were a single employer, it would be the largest in the county at nearly 1,200 staff on payroll,” said Sharon Stroh, Main Street Fort Dodge executive director. “The Main Street merchants are some of the most talented and creative retailers in our community; they offer wonderful boutique products.”

Main Street Fort Dodge’s performance is annually evaluated by Main Street Iowa, which works in partnership with Main Street America to identify the local programs that are committed to comprehensive, place-based revitalization efforts and achieving meaningful community outcomes.

According to Stroh, current Main Street Fort Dodge projects include improvements to four designated alleyways in the district as part of the Streetscape Master Plan.

“Snyder & Associates were awarded the bid to assist MS in producing concepts that produce safe, pedestrian-friendly corridors, and provide useful public gathering space for residents and visitors,” she said. “Main Street is also working with Danny Heggen on the conclusion of his $75,000 Challenge Grant at 1109 Central Ave., and of course there’s the $1.07 million Downtown Revitalization Grant which includes eight properties downtown.