Announcing the 2022 California Main Street Designated Communities and 2021 Reinvestment Statistics
Thursday Night Market in historic Downtown Grass Valley, July 2021. Credit: Grass Valley Downtown Association
By: Amanda Elliott, Senior Program Officer and Director of California Programs, Main Street America
We are proud to announce that 17 Main Street programs across the state of California have earned Accredited status, Main Street America’s top level of recognition. This elite designation signifies a strong commitment to preservation-based economic development and community revitalization through the effective application of the Main Street Approach™. We also applaud the 15 programs that have been designated as Main Street America Affiliates this year. These programs have created meaningful improvements in their communities and are on the pathway to achieving even more significant economic, infrastructural, and organizational improvements in their downtowns.
In 2021, California Main Street’s 29 programs generated $543 million in local reinvestment, helped open 250 net new businesses, facilitated the creation of 1408 net new jobs, catalyzed the rehabilitation of 148 historic buildings, and leveraged 29,940 volunteer hours.
“California Main Street is pleased to acknowledge this year’s Accredited and Affiliate programs and their dedication to advancing economic opportunity and community development in their downtowns,” said Amanda Elliott, Senior Program Officer and Director of California Programs. “Our Main Street communities continue to thrive and push through these ever changing and challenging economic times by supporting their small, local businesses with innovative solutions, hard work, and inspired leadership.”
Statewide, countywide, and citywide Coordinating Programs evaluate, select, and recommend qualifying communities to Main Street America on an annual basis. To qualify for Accreditation status, communities must meet a set of rigorous standards. Evaluation criteria identifies communities that are building meaningful and sustainable revitalization programs, and include standards such as, fostering strong public-private partnerships, supporting small and locally owned businesses, and actively preserving historic places, spaces, and cultural assets.
Learn more about Main Street America designation.
Meet our California Main Street communities.
Explore all 2022 Accredited and Affiliated Main Street America communities.