By Main Street America
STERLING, Kan. (June 11, 2024) – Sterling Main Street has been designated as an Affiliate Main Street America program for meeting significant performance standards. Each year, Main Street America and its partners recognize programs committed to downtown revitalization through preservation-based economic development and community engagement.
In 2023, Main Street America programs generated $5.68 billion in local reinvestment, supported the opening of 6,630 new businesses, created 35,162 new jobs, rehabilitated 10,556 historic buildings, and leveraged 1.66 million volunteer hours. On average, every dollar spent by a Main Street program generated $18.03 in new investment in their communities.
“We are excited to celebrate this year’s 388 Affiliate Main Street America programs and their efforts to rejuvenate local economies and public spaces,” said Main Street America President and CEO Erin Barnes. “Main Street leaders are visionaries creating the future we all aspire to. The size and impact of our network show that great things happen through strategic, grassroots collaboration.”
Sterling Main Street’s performance was evaluated by its personnel, board of directors, in partnership with Main Street America, to ensure adherence to national community evaluation standards.
To qualify for Affiliate status, communities must show a commitment to the Main Street model and achieve outcomes in six areas: community commitment to revitalization, inclusive leadership, diversified funding, strategic programming, preservation-based economic development, and demonstrated impact.
“Our Main Street future looks bright,” said Board President, Clint Bundy. “With new potential funding for lofts living and cosmetic updates, there are a host of opportunities for downtown businesses,” added Main Street Subcommittee Chair, Meg Van Dyk.
—
ABOUT MAIN STREET AMERICA
Main Street America leads a movement to strengthen communities through preservation-based economic development in older and historic downtowns and neighborhood commercial districts. For more than 40 years, Main Street America has provided a framework for community-driven, comprehensive revitalization through the Main Street Approach™. Our network of over 1,600 communities shares a commitment to place and build stronger communities. Since 1980, Main Street America communities have generated more than $107.62 billion in new investment, created 175,323 new businesses and 782,059 jobs, rehabilitated over 335,675 buildings, and leveraged over 35.3 million volunteer hours. Main Street America is a nonprofit subsidiary of the National Trust for Historic Preservation. For more information, visit mainstreet.org.
