Iowa’s main streets are the heart of our small towns and urban neighborhoods. For almost three decades, “Main Street Iowa” has helped communities revitalize their local economies by capitalizing on what makes them unique. This year, we want to increase funding for this proven program that turns historic commercial districts into thriving centers of commerce.
A recent study found that Main Street Iowa offers a great return on investment. For every $1 the state puts into the program, there is a local building investment of $71.93. In 2012, the estimated sales tax revenue from new businesses in Main Street communities was about 48 times the budget for the program.
An average of 623 jobs are created per year through building rehabilitation alone. And property taxes from Main Street building renovations provide an additional $10.8 million to local governments every year.
It takes a big commitment for a community to be accepted into the Main Street Iowa Program, but the excellent results are unmistakable. Communities interested in revitalizing their historic main streets are encouraged to apply for the Main Street Program. Learn more at www.iowaeconomicdevelopment.com/IDRC/MainStreetIowa.