Setting the Stage
The Main Street Four Point Approach was conceived in 1977 by the National Trust for Historic Preservation in Washington, D.C., and tested in three pilot locations throughout the United States. National Trust for Historic Preservation

In 1985, the Iowa Legislature adopted the National Main Street Center's approach to downtown revitalization by approving the establishment of Main Street Iowa within the Iowa Department of Economic Development.

Today there are 39 active Main Street Iowa Communities, and Main Street Iowa is one of the most successful state Main Street programs in the nation. In order to participate in Main Street Iowa, communities must go through an application process.