Latest news with #JeffersonMatters
Yahoo
15-04-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
An Iowa town was named one of the country's best main streets. How did it win the award?
Iowa is home to one of the best main streets in the United States. Jefferson, Iowa, was honored with one of the 2025 Great American Main Street Awards, which recognizes communities for "preservation-based commercial district revitalization." Only three cities were selected for the award by a national jury of community preservation professionals, according to American Main Street Awards. 'Jefferson Matters exemplifies the power of creative and community-driven solutions,' said Erin Barnes, President and CEO at Main Street America. 'By leveraging public art as a tool for economic growth, they have transformed downtown Jefferson into a beautiful and thriving Main Street that celebrates both its history and its future. Their innovative direction demonstrates the impact of the Main Street Approach in fostering vibrant communities.' The city of Jefferson received the award for its "significant" investments in its public arts programs, according to Main Street America. Since 2012, Jefferson Matters has invested $24 million to rehabilitate its downtown, according to the Iowa Economic Development Authority. That investment has led to 45 new businesses and renovations to more than 100 buildings. For example, the rooftops of several buildings downtown have installed art displays that can be seen from the top of the Mahanay Bell Tower. The bell tower is on the corner of the courthouse square in downtown Jefferson. "Our community, board, and volunteers have embraced the idea that public art is more than just decoration—it is a driver of economic growth, a source of civic pride, and a way to bring people together," said Matt Wetrich, the executive director of Jefferson Matters, in an interview for Main Streets America. Jefferson is a town of 4,100 people in central Iowa. It is possibly best known for the Mahanay Memorial Carillon Tower. It is a 14-story tower where visitors can ride a glass elevator up 120 feet to the observation deck. Every year, Jefferson hosts the Bell Tower Festival, which features vendors, a carnival and a street dance. The three-day event also has a parade and sports tournaments. Jefferson is one of 14 central Iowa communities connected by the Raccoon River Valley Trail. The trail is the longest paved loop in the nation, totaling 72 miles within 89 miles of recreational trailers, according to its website. Jefferson is the county seat of Green County. It is just over an hour northwest of Des Moines and is roughly halfway between Boone and Carroll on U.S. Highway 30. Kate Kealey is a general assignment reporter for the Register. Reach her at kkealey@ or follow her on Twitter at @Kkealey17. This article originally appeared on Des Moines Register: Iowa town named one of the best main streets in US. How did it win?
Yahoo
09-04-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Jefferson wins national Main Street award
JEFFERSON, Iowa — Main Street America recognized Jefferson Matters, along with Denison, TX Main Street, and Raton MainStreet as the winners of the 2025 Great American Main Street Award. Main Street America said the three organizations received the award as they all serve as exemplary models for resiliency, creative placemaking, and commitment to preservation-based economic development. The awards were handed out at the Main Street America Conference in Philadelphia on Monday. The award was so big, that around 20 members of the Jefferson Matters leadership community were on hand in Philadelphia for the big news. 'I'm just really proud of the community of Jefferson,' said Matt Wetrich, Executive Director of Jefferson Matters. 'It's a huge community-wide endeavor, a lot of key partnerships. You have to have everybody kind of pulling in the same direction that's one of the things that we pride ourselves in this partnerships and collaboration.' Restricting student cellphone use sent to Gov. Kim Reynolds' desk to be signed into law In a news release Jefferson Matters explained that 'Jefferson was honored as a winner of the Great American Main Street Award by Main Street America — the highest honor a Main Street community can receive. This is a reward for and reflection of 13 years of hard work to revamp the historic central business district in a struggling small town and turning Jefferson into an enticing destination and welcoming hometown.' Jefferson Matters also listed some of its accomplishments. Which include: Transforming $6 million of public investment into $18 million of private investment Helping open 45 net new businesses Facilitating the creation of 101 net new jobs Catalyzing the rehabilitation of 115 buildings Leveraging more than 57,000 volunteer hours Jefferson was also commended for efforts to make the community more inclusive. 'Our economic development group started multicultural family resource center, and Sarah Huddleston is the executive director that she came with us,' said Wetrich. 'This was some really forward thinking, for such a small community. To have a chance of growing, we need to be more welcoming.' 'Jefferson not only embodies the spirit of a thriving Main Street community but also serves as a model of innovation and community engagement for Main Street programs across the state and the nation,' said Debi Durham, director of the Iowa Economic Development Authority. Jefferson will hold a celebration of the award on Monday, April 14. There will also be a news conference where community members will speak on this high honor for the community. Iowa News: Jefferson wins national Main Street award Restricting student cellphone use sent to Gov. Kim Reynolds' desk to be signed into law Iowa House Republicans send school funding bill to Gov. Reynolds amid House Democrats' warning of cuts WHO 13 Farm Report: Tuesday, April 8th Colfax pharmacy foresees closure if PBM reform bill doesn't pass Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
