A downtown or traditional commercial district represents a community’s history and helps define the community. 

Does your downtown present a unique identity with features and strengths to draw residents, visitors, businesses, and commerce? 

Would you be proud to show your downtown to potential new business prospects or even someone considering a move to your community?

The Downtown Resource Center helps communities learn more about the importance of downtown development and specifically how your community can implement strategies to make downtown more viable. Community involvement may range from a simple downtown walk around to Main Street Iowa (MSI) program services. 

Resources

main street america logo and main street iowa logo
Main Street Iowa

Coordinating Downtown Revitalization: A Time Tested Movement

The Main Street Iowa program works with a select group of communities to commit to extraordinary downtown economic development.

Save the Date: August 5–6

Iowa Downtown Conference

This annual two-day event celebrates historic downtown districts & neighborhood commercial areas. Hosted at different venues each year, it welcomes anyone interested in downtown economic development.

Merrill Hotel and Conference Center in Muscatine

The Impact of Iowa's Downtown Study

Downtowns play an important role in the economic and social fabric of the state of Iowa. The Iowa Economic Development Authority’s Iowa Downtown Resource Center helps communities learn about the importance of downtown development and assist local stakeholders in implementing revitalization strategies. 

In partnership with Main Street America, IEDA commissioned this study to assess and communicate the value of Iowa’s downtowns for residents across the state.

Downtown Forums

Connect with neighboring communities and the Iowa Downtown Resource Center staff as we explore the top 10 key drivers of thriving downtowns — from capacity building and business development to establishing a strong local identity. How many of these fundamentals can you identify and implement in your own community?

Gain valuable insights through real-world examples from across the state at one of four Downtown Forums in June, presented by the Iowa Downtown Resource Center.

Shop Iowa

Online Marketplace for Retailers

Shop Iowa allows small brick-and-mortar retail businesses to list products on an online marketplace. 

Shop Iowa logo with main street behind