State awards Indiana Main Street designations
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The Indiana Office of Community and Rural Affairs has announced 15 community organizations from throughout the state that have earned a new or updated Indiana Main Street designation.
The program consists of three levels, which recognize organizations for their efforts to revitalize their downtowns.
Indiana Main Street is a statewide initiative led by OCRA in partnership with Main Street America to identify organizations that meet rigorous performance standards.
“These organizations are doing amazing work to breathe new life into Indiana downtowns, which support our local businesses and unite our communities,” Indiana Lt. Gov. Micah Beckwith said in a news release. “Main Street has a way of bringing everyone together. It’s where you really get to know your neighbors and come together for local events. It’s the heartbeat of the community.”
According to OCRA, Indiana Main Street accepts applications each year for the three levels. Indiana Accredited Main Street meets all accreditation standards set forth by Main Street America. Aspiring Indiana Accredited Main Street organizations are within one year of meeting the accreditation standards.
The third level, OCRA’s Downtown Affiliate Network, includes organizations that may prefer to specialize in event-related activities only, lack the physical or historical capacity to quality as a Main Street organization, or are working toward building capacity to meet the accreditation standards.
The new Indiana Main Street designations are:
Indiana Accredited Main Street
- Sheridan Main Street, Inc.
- Tipton Main Street
- Delphi Main Street
Aspiring Indiana Accredited Main Street
- Main Street Warsaw
- Discover Downtown Washington
- Association For A Better Rockport
- Decatur Indiana Main Street, Inc.
OCRA Downtown Affiliate Network
- Ellettsville Main Street
- Jacobsville Neighborhood (Evansville)
- Framing Ferdinand
- Fountain City Forward
- Huntington Main Street
- Lagro Canal Foundation
- Rising Sun Main Street
- Main Street Zionsville
OCRA said the 15 organizations will receive a formal certificate, access to Main Street America and Indiana Main Street training, networking opportunities, and a resource toolbox unique to their needs.
In 2024, Indiana Main Street communities saw 143 new businesses open and 42 businesses relocate into a Main Street district, with nearly 200 jobs created, according to OCRA’s website.