MSW Success Story

Organized in 2008 the Main Street program has already accomplished a great deal. Thanks to the time, talent and contributions from those listed on the following pages, Main Street Washington was able to accomplish the following in 2020.

• Received recognition as a nationally accredited program for the 13th straight year.

• Produced downtown and community wide promotional events: Holiday SNOW, Movies on Main Street, Main Street Masters, Small Business Saturday, and Hocus Pocus in the Park!

• Tracked over $16,500,000 of downtown private investment since 2008.

• Completed the 2nd Round of Downtown Investment Grants with over $150,000 of incentives awarded & over $1 million of Private Investment into Downtown buildings.

• Received $100,000 Challenge Grant for the rebirth of Winga’s Café into the Northside Diner (coming soon!)

Main Street Washington’s Economic Impact

MSW has recorded the following economic gains within our downtown district since July 2008.

• Net gain of 60 business starts, relocations, and expansions, 6 during summer 2021 alone!

• Approximately $1 million in grants to 74 downtown properties, spurring private investment in the downtown district.

• 80 FREE architectural consultations and services totaling more than $150,000 in MSI Technical Assistance.

• More than 35 FREE workshops and training opportunities totaling approximately $100,000 in Main Street Iowa Technical Assistance.

• More than 25,000 volunteer hours logged.