Coordinating community-based downtown revitalization efforts

The Main Street Iowa program works with a select group of communities committed to exceptionally high standards for downtown economic development. As a Main Street AmericaTM Coordinating Program, the over 50 communities in Iowa are connected to a network of 40 programs across the country representing over 1,200 communities.

Utilizing the Main Street Approach, communities capitalize on the unique identity, assets and character of their historic commercial districts. The Main Street Approach consists of tightly integrated components making up a common-sense, strategy-driven framework that guides community-based downtown revitalization efforts. Locally developed strategies are implemented through comprehensive work in four broad areas, known as the Four Points: Economic Vitality, Organization, Promotion and Design.

Assistance from the Main Street Iowa team includes training workshops, architectural and design assistance, business assistance, and a number of other technical assistance opportunities.

Through this partnership Main Street Washington offers a variety of services both locally and from our partners at Main Street Iowa and Main Street America. Some of these include the following. Contact MSW for more information and learn what we can do for you.

What are Main Street Washington services?

  • Free façade and building design consultation
  • Downtown Investment Grants (DIG) provide large projects of $100,000 or more an incentive that provides a greater and more streamlined benefit directly versus Tax Increment Financing (TIF) which takes longer and is a smaller benefit to a existing property. The match is 3:1 with a minimum investment of $100,000. Main Street Washington can recommend up to $50,000 in benefits per project. This program generously funded through the Municipal Grant program partnership between the City of Washington and the Washington County Riverboat Foundation.
  • Free window display consultation
  • Red Carpet Celebrations – celebrate your grand opening, milestone or addition with a pop of confetti & red carpet!

Main Street Iowa Services:

MSW as a part of the Main Street Iowa network receives benefits from the staff of Main Street Iowa and the Iowa Economic Development Authority.

  • Design Assistance
  • Business Improvement
Support Main Street Washington