Main Street Washington earns statewide recognition

DES MOINES — Officials from Main Street Iowa, the Iowa Economic Development Authority and Iowa Finance Authority, have tipped their hats to Main Street Washington as the organization hit a major milestone last quarter.

State authorities said Washington’s downtown had seen over $20 million in private investment since its Main Street branch was founded in 2008. Half of that happened in the last five years, given Washington’s last milestone recognition for $10 million of investment in 2018.

Main Street Iowa also recognized Washington’s Main Street Board President Maddie Widmer with its Leadership Award, citing her work as a de facto interim director of the Washington group between former director Sarah Grunewaldt’s departure and current director Samantha Meyer’s hire.

Meyer said she was proud of the accomplishments and grateful for the community support they entailed.

“Everyone’s doing, just, an amazing job,” she said. “We have some really fabulous building and business owners … we are just grateful. Some of this comes through DIG grants, and the Riverboat (Foundation) helps with funding as well. So just having a supportive city, and that Riverboat Foundation has been really instrumental.”

The investment is measured by Main Street Washington’s quarterly reports back to the statewide branch. While it includes money spent on non-Main Street initiatives, Meyer said it only reflected completed projects in Washington’s downtown district, which the organization often has a hand in.

Meyer said the wave of dollars since its last benchmark came from Downtown Investment Grants, challenge grants, and a network of local support.

“It’s tracking any improvements that business owners have made, true building rehab type of things,” Meyer said. “Big, amazing investments that are really hard to do, especially in small towns. So we are just tasked with tracking that, and reporting that.”

Debi Durham, executive director of the Iowa Economic Development Authority and the Iowa Finance Authority, said the milestone was proof of Main Street’s financial impact.

“The Main Street Iowa program is a powerful economic development tool that has stood the test of time,” she said in a statement. “We continue to see significant growth in businesses, jobs, and investment in communities of all sizes because of the program. As a result, these districts serve as inspiring examples of what’s possible for Iowa’s downtowns.”

Comments: Kalen.McCain@southeastiowaunion.com