2024 Main Street Iowa Development Awards Honor Outstanding Achievements

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April 19, 2024 (Des Moines) - Main Street Iowa hosted the annual Main Street Iowa Development Awards celebration Friday evening in Des Moines. The program honors the efforts of local leaders who work tirelessly to revitalize Iowa’s downtowns and Main Street districts.

 Every year Osceola Chamber Main Street recognizes someone who made a significant impact to their organization and Downtown Osceola.  This year their Leadership Award went to the Osceola Historic Preservation Commission.  This group is an invaluable asset to the community and were instrumental last year in rezoning Osceola’s Historic Commercial District to protect the integrity of Downtown Osceola, a historic district listed on the National Register of Historic Places.

Debi Durham, executive director of the Iowa Economic Development Authority (IEDA) and Iowa Finance Authority (IFA), and Michael Wagler, Main Street Iowa state coordinator, presented the honors.

 “The Main Street Iowa program stands as one of the nation’s most distinguished, as witnessed from the award-winning projects in rehabilitation, business recruitment and support, façade improvement, housing, placemaking and special events,” said Iowa Economic Development Authority (IEDA) and Iowa Finance Authority (IFA) Director Debi Durham. “It's evident that Main Street Iowa communities thrive under passionate leadership, achieving remarkable success."

 "Seeing the impactful efforts of local Main Street program staff, volunteers, and communities is inspiring," said Michael Wagler, Main Street Iowa State Coordinator. "With significant growth in businesses jobs, and investments across communities of all sizes, these districts serve as inspiring examples of what's achievable for Iowa's downtowns."

A detailed list of all 2024 Main Street Iowa Award winners is available here.

Main Street Iowa was established in 1985 and operates as a part of the IEDA’s Downtown Resource Center. Since its inception, the Main Street Iowa program has had a significant impact on Iowa’s economy, including more than $2.7 billion in private investments, more than 3.8 million volunteer hours, more than 5,500 new businesses created and more than 16,600 jobs.