Mount Vernon-Lisbon Community Development Group (CDG) has been designated as an Accredited Main Street America program for meeting rigorous performance standards. Each year, Main Street America and its partners announce the list of designated programs to recognize their exceptional commitment to preservation-based economic development and community revitalization through the Main Street Approach™.
Main Street America recognizes two tiers of national designation — Affiliate and Accredited. These designations are a powerful advocacy tool, signaling to local stakeholders, as well as city, state, and national funders, that a Main Street program has an established position within a nationwide movement with a 45-year proven track record of generating impressive economic returns, building local capacity, creating welcoming and inviting communities, and creating lasting impact.
“Main Street America is proud to recognize this year’s 821 Accredited Main Street America programs for their commitment to building strong and vibrant communities,” said Erin Barnes, President and CEO of Main Street America. “Their tireless efforts show what’s possible when engaged leaders work together to shape places that reflect the people they serve. The continued impact of our network shows that the Main Street movement remains a powerful force for positive transformation.”
The CDG’s performance was evaluated through assessments conducted by the organization’s personnel and board of directors, and Main Street Iowa, which works in partnership with Main Street America to identify local programs that meet rigorous national community evaluation standards.
These standards provide the Main Street America network with a strong foundational framework to review progress, recognize strengths, understand trends, and identify strategies that move Main Street programs forward. To quality for Accredited status—Main Street America’s top designation tier—communities must demonstrate a proved track record of achieving outcomes in alignment with the Main Street Approach and exceptional performance in six areas: broad-based community commitment to revitalization; inclusive leadership and organizational capacity; diversified funding and sustainable program operations; strategy-driven programming; preservation-based economic development; and demonstrated impact and results.
In 2024, Main Street America programs generated $7.65 billion in local reinvestment, helped open 6,324 new businesses, facilitated the creation of 33,835 new jobs, rehabilitated 10,126 historic buildings, and logged 1.9 million volunteer hours. On average, for every dollar that a Main Street program spent to support their operations, $21.73 was reinvested into their downtown and commercial corridor communities.
In 2024, the CDG made significant strides in enhancing the community’s development. With the appointment of new Executive Director, Jessie Thurn, and the addition of fresh board members, the organization is revitalized and focused on strategic growth. The CDG successfully implemented their transformation strategies and conducted an organizational review to improve efficiency, ensuring maximizing their impact. Additionally, the CDG proudly awarded four local businesses within our Main Street District funding for façade repairs through the BIG Grant, strengthening the aesthetic appeal and economic vitality of our community.
“On September 11, the CDG will welcome Jonathan Stone from Main Street America to assist with our 2025 Accreditation process,” said Jessie Thurn, Executive Director. “The resources and guidance offered by Main Street America, along with our local program, Main Street Iowa, are essential for the success of the CDG. While our Main Street District specifically serves Mount Vernon, the extensive resources available support both of our towns as one community.”