Jefferson Matters: Main Street has been designated as a 2020 accredited Main Street AmericaTM program. Accredited status is Main Street America’s top tier of recognition and signifies a demonstrated commitment to comprehensive commercial district revitalization and proven track record of successfully applying the Main Street ApproachTM.
In 2019 alone, $6.45 billion of public and private reinvestment was generated, 6,466 net new businesses were opened, 32,316 net new jobs were created, and 10,412 buildings were rehabilitated in Main Street America communities.
Jefferson Matters: Main Street’s performance is evaluated by Main Street Iowa, which works in partnership with Main Street America to identify the local programs that meet 10 rigorous performance standards. Evaluation criteria determines the communities that are building comprehensive and sustainable revitalization efforts and include standards such as fostering strong public-private partnerships, documenting programmatic progress, and actively preserving historic buildings.
JM:MS board president Jamie Daubendiek said, “National Main Street accreditation is a goal of the Main Street board each year. It provides a proven structure for the success we continue to achieve. Being named a Great American Main Street semifinalist in 2020 shows how this accreditation leads Jefferson in the right direction. The accreditation is not easy to attain, and Jefferson is proud to receive this recognition again this year.”
