Helping Implement Strategies for Stronger Communities

A downtown or traditional commercial district represents a community’s history and helps define the community. Does your downtown present a unique identity with features and strengths to draw residents, visitors, businesses and commerce? Would you be proud to show your downtown to potential new business prospects or even someone considering a move to your community?

The Downtown Resource Center helps communities learn more about the importance of downtown development and specifically how your community can implement strategies to make downtown more viable. Community involvement may range from a simple downtown walk around to Main Street Iowa (MSI) program services.

Downtown Resource Center Services

Downtown Assessments

Community Catalyst Program

Funding Options

Resources & Networking

Coordinating Downtown Revitalization Efforts

A Time-Tested Movement

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The Impact of Iowa’s Downtown Study

2022 Impact of Iowa’s Downtown Study Video Introduction

Downtowns play an important role in the economic and social fabric of the state of Iowa. The Iowa Economic Development Authority’s Iowa Downtown Resource Center helps communities learn about the importance of downtown development and assist local stakeholders in implementing revitalization strategies. In partnership with Main Street America, IEDA commissioned this study to assess and communicate the value of Iowa’s downtowns for residents across the state.

Download 2022 Impact of Iowa’s Downtown Study

Shop Iowa: Online Marketplace for Retailers

The Shop Iowa platform allows small brick-and-mortar retail businesses to list products on an online marketplace. Retailers with physical products that can be easily shipped and are willing to receive online orders can list products on Shop Iowa.