Iowa Downtown Resource Newsletter

November 2, 2021

Create Economic Impact with your Event ... Pella Tulip Time! We all love a good event, but do we always think about how those activities are essential to the health of a downtown and its community? Read More.
Downtown Difference Makers – Brian and Laura Manatt The Manatts love Brooklyn where the schools are exceptional, the downtown is well maintained and inviting, and the residents are welcoming. Brooklyn has great employers and volunteers in the community. As it relates to the downtown, the city had the foresight many years ago to begin its own façade program for business owners. This program has allowed business owners to keep the facades of their buildings well maintained. Read More.
Coming Soon! Main Street Design Guide The physical elements located in a commercial downtown district embody a community’s past, serve as a venue for its present, and contain the potential for its future vibrancy. Physical elements help to tell the story of the unique/diverse assets a community has to offer. Read More.
#WinterIsComing Successful visions for downtowns include numerous opportunities for public activity throughout the winter months and focus on local assets, identity and character. It takes an engaged community to embrace and mobilize those assets. Read More.
Resources for Small Businesses and Customers We have entered that time of year – the ever-important fourth Quarter – that can be a “make it or break it” time for small businesses. The holidays are knocking at the door and as customers return (at some level) to shopping in person, small businesses are gearing up to meet the demand. Read More.
Main Street Iowa Announces 2022 New Program Application Workshops Main Street Iowa’s network of 54 designated programs will grow in 2022. Application workshops will be held in late February for communities interested in becoming a designated Main Street Iowa program. Applications are due in late May. Read More.
Project Funding Available Through the Iowa Downtown Resource Center The Iowa Downtown Resource Center currently has two applications open for funding downtown building rehabilitation projects: Community Catalyst Building Remediation Program and Downtown Housing Grant. Read More.
Announcing New Staff – Nick Sorensen The Iowa Downtown Resource Center is pleased to announce the addition of a new staff person, Nick Sorensen. Read More.
Downtown Gem - Panora The state of Iowa is blessed with many town squares. The squares often serve as community parks perhaps with a courthouse, city hall or gazebo in the center. Downtown Panora has an unusual square where the high school was built in the center. The active gymnasium still stands. Panora City Administrator Lisa Grossman tells the story. Read More.
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