Mainstreet Movement

The Main Street movement, led by the National Main Street Center, involves more than 1,000 community programs throughout the country and has transformed the way communities think about the revitalization of their historic downtowns and neighborhood commercial districts. It has helped put historic preservation back in the community revitalization conversation. Dubuque Main Street has been a part of this tradition from the beginning, and is celebrated as the longest-running urban Main Street program in the country.

Business and civic leaders continue to dedicate financial, technical and physical support to downtown revitalization. Dubuque Main Street has regained its position as a true catalyst for economic development. Designated as one of five Great American Main Street programs in 1995 and again in 2007, Dubuque was named an All America City in 2006, 2012, and 2013, and was named by the National Trust as one of only three Urban Pioneer Award winners in the nation. Dubuque Main Street has helped Dubuque become a “model of urban revival” across the United States.

Dubuque Main Street, is a private, not-for-profit organization with a 501c (3) federal tax status. This charitable designation allows our investors—businesses and individuals—to deduct their contributions to the full extent the law allows. Dubuque Main Street relies on private investments for approximately 75 percent of its budget.

In the 1960s and ’70s, Dubuque, like many cities across the country, experienced a polarization of its retail trade from downtown to new development on its west side. This shift led to a dramatic demise of downtown with first floor vacancy levels reaching 55% and a loss of anchor department stores.

Realizing that property owners, business owners, and the city needed to work together, a coordinating committee was formed in 1984. Community leaders agreed the Main Street program would act as a timely catalyst for economic development and downtown revitalization for Dubuque.

In 1985, Dubuque was chosen by the National Trust’s Demonstration Program to be one of seven pilot cities for the Urban Main Street program. Following the program step by step, Dubuque Main Street has provided structure and unity to a downtown composed of many separate parts. After 30 years of success, downtown Dubuque, the longest standing urban program, has seen a dramatic renaissance, leading the state of Iowa in Main Street investment.