October 27, 2020 | Jefferson Matters: 2020 Great American Main Street Award Semifinalist Spotlight |
Jefferson's unique rooftop art can only be seen from the top of the Mahanay Bell Tower's observation deck, which provides a 360-degree view of the downtown and rural landscape. A 47-bell carillon plays digitally each hour. Credit: Jamie Daubendiek
On Oct. 30, we’ll announce the three winners of the 2020 Great American Main Street Award (GAMSA). In anticipation of the big reveal, we’re highlighting one GAMSA semifinalist per day on our blog, Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter from Oct. 20 -29. We’ll not only spotlight their impressive efforts from previous years, but we’ve also checked in with each community to hear about how their downtowns have been impacted by the pandemic, how their programs have responded, and advice they’d give to other Main Street communities.
Jefferson Matters: Main Street • Jefferson, IA
Year Founded: 2012 | Population: 4,150 | Square Blocks in Commercial District: 15 3/4
When Jefferson Matters: Main Street got its start in 2012, many of the district’s storefronts were vacant and historic buildings had fallen into disrepair. But in only eight years, Jefferson Matters has sparked an inspiring transformation through innovative placemaking projects and building restorations. Jefferson Main Street convinced property owners to sell them their vacant buildings, renovated the storefronts themselves, and hosted events to encourage property owners and entrepreneurs to locate downtown.
One of the Main Street program’s biggest successes was working with community partners to bring the software development company Pillar Technology to their town of 4,200, which will bring in thirty new jobs and has sparked new housing developments. Jefferson’s model of brining great tech jobs to rural America has received state and national press coverage looking at how to replicate the success Jefferson is having in rural towns across the U.S.
Keep reading to hear from Jefferson Matters: Main Street’s Executive Director, Reegan Hanigan, about how the Main Street program has pivoted since the pandemic.
How has COVID-19 affected your community?
COVID-19 has affected Jefferson, along with every other community. The shutdown closed businesses but hasn’t kept them down, as they continue to utilize new resources and adjust to the new normal.
Describe one of the ways your program has responded to those effects.
Our program has responded to those effects by continuing to be a point of contact for resources and information. Our program has teams of amazing volunteers who go above and beyond to work together for the greater good of the community, especially during the pandemic.
What is one piece of advice you would give to Main Streets struggling to pivot in the time of COVID-19?
Don’t be afraid to be innovative and step outside of your comfort zone.
Follow Jefferson Matters: Main Street on social media to keep up with their efforts:
Facebook: @JeffersonMatters
Instagram: @JeffersonMatters
Join us as we announce the GAMSA winners on Oct. 30 at 12pm EST during a special Main Street plenary at PastForward, the National Trust for Historic Preservation’s digital conference. The plenary is free to attend but registration is required! Tune in to the awards ceremony by registering for the session via Zoom or the PastForward site. We will also be streaming the ceremony via Facebook Live.
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