(West Des Moines, IA) — The Iowa Economic Development Authority’s (IEDA) Main Street Iowa celebrated its 40th anniversary May 7th during the 2026 Main Street Iowa Development Awards in West Des Moines, recognizing outstanding efforts to revitalize downtown districts across the state. Eighteen projects received Main Street Iowa Development Awards, including Coon Rapids and Corning, while 45 recipients were recognized with leadership awards for their contributions to local Main Street programs. In addition, a longtime Main Street Iowa employee received the Spirit of Main Street Award.
Marion’s Central Plaza was named the recipient of the Signature Project Award, which recognizes projects demonstrating exceptional impact beyond traditional award categories. The project transformed a key block in Uptown Marion into a year-round gathering space featuring an ice-skating loop, live performance area, interactive water features, public art and flexible event amenities.
The Spirit of Main Street Award was presented to Susan Watson, whose nearly three decades with Main Street Iowa have helped shape and strengthen downtown revitalization efforts across the state. The award is not presented annually and carries no nominations or applications. Instead, it recognizes those whose contributions embody the spirit of the Main Street movement. Throughout her career, Watson has supported communities through grants, events, reporting systems and countless downtown projects behind the scenes. Known for her kindness, calm presence and steady leadership, she has been a trusted resource for Main Street directors across Iowa.
2026 Main Street Iowa Development Award winners:
- Albia — Housing (under 5,000 population): Geyer Place Apartments
- Albia — Special Event (under 5,000 population): Haunted History Hike, Albia
- Burlington — Business Support (over 5,000 population): Block Captain Program
- Burlington — Placemaking: Small-Scale Activity (over 5,000 population): Ali in the Alley
- Cedar Falls — Housing (over 5,000 population): 122–124 Main St.
- Chariton — Placemaking: Small-Scale Activity (under 5,000 population): Grand Lane Pocket Park
- Coon Rapids — Business Support (under 5,000 population): American Discovery Trail Town
- Coon Rapids — Façade Improvement (under $50,000): Four Twelve Main
- Corning — Business Recruitment (under 5,000 population): Adams Community Team Ignites Opportunities Now (ACTION)
- Indianola — Special Event (over 5,000 population): Downtown Dough
- Jefferson — Building Rehabilitation (under 5,000 population): The Centennial Block
- Jefferson — Special Event (under 5,000 population): Barbie by the Bells
- Mason City — Placemaking: Comprehensive Effort: River City Riverwalk
- Newton — Building Rehabilitation (over 5,000 population): Gray Moon Public Market
- Osceola — Façade Improvement (over $50,000): Kerr Dental
- Ottumwa — Business Recruitment (over 5,000 population): Vacant Building Window Clings
- West Des Moines — Special Event (over 5,000 population): Valley Junction Farmers Market and Music in the Junction
Five communities were also recognized for reaching private investment and property acquisition milestones within their commercial districts :
- Albia — $3 million
- Avoca — $5 million benchmark (reached in 2014)
- Coon Rapids — $2 million benchmark (reached in 2019)
- Corning — $20 million (benchmark reached in 1990)
- Waverly — $50 million
In addition, several communities were recognized as celebrating the milestone anniversaries of their commitment to the Main Street Approach and continue to demonstrate their ability to meet local needs, create energy and become stronger. Locally, they include: Corning (35-years) and Greenfield (30-years). Leadership Awards for inspirational leadership and volunteers who make significant contributions to the local Main Street Program, were presented to: Roxie Hester – Avoca Main Street; Jon Esdohr – Main Street Coon Rapids; Gina School – Greenfield Chamber/Main Street; Kristin Dreyer – Manning Area Partners; and Chris Lenning – Woodbine Main Street, Inc.
Main Street Iowa was established in 1985 and operates as part of IEDA’s Downtown Resource Center. Since its inception, the program has generated more than $3.1 billion in private investment, nearly 4.1 million volunteer hours, more than 5,600 new businesses and more than 17,300 jobs.
See a detailed list of all 2026 award winners, including recognized projects and leadership award recipients.
