JEFFERSON, Iowa — Main Street America recognized Jefferson Matters, along with Denison, TX Main Street, and Raton MainStreet as the winners of the 2025 Great American Main Street Award. Main Street America said the three organizations received the award as they all serve as exemplary models for resiliency, creative placemaking, and commitment to preservation-based economic development.

The awards were handed out at the Main Street America Conference in Philadelphia on Monday.

The award was so big, that around 20 members of the Jefferson Matters leadership community were on hand in Philadelphia for the big news.

“I’m just really proud of the community of Jefferson,” said Matt Wetrich, Executive Director of Jefferson Matters. “It’s a huge community-wide endeavor, a lot of key partnerships. You have to have everybody kind of pulling in the same direction that’s one of the things that we pride ourselves in this partnerships and collaboration.”

In a news release Jefferson Matters explained that “Jefferson was honored as a winner of the Great American Main Street Award by Main Street America — the highest honor a Main Street community can receive. This is a reward for and reflection of 13 years of hard work to revamp the historic central business district in a struggling small town and turning Jefferson into an enticing destination and welcoming hometown.”

Jefferson Matters also listed some of its accomplishments. Which include:

• Transforming $6 million of public investment into $18 million of private investment
• Helping open 45 net new businesses
• Facilitating the creation of 101 net new jobs
• Catalyzing the rehabilitation of 115 buildings
• Leveraging more than 57,000 volunteer hours

Jefferson was also commended for efforts to make the community more inclusive.

“Our economic development group started multicultural family resource center, and Sarah Huddleston is the executive director that she came with us,” said Wetrich. “This was some really forward thinking, for such a small community. To have a chance of growing, we need to be more welcoming.”

“Jefferson not only embodies the spirit of a thriving Main Street community but also serves as a model of innovation and community engagement for Main Street programs across the state and the nation,” said Debi Durham, director of the Iowa Economic Development Authority.

Jefferson will hold a celebration of the award on Monday, April 14. There will also be a news conference where community members will speak on this high honor for the community. 

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