ABOUT US
DOWNTOWN REVITALIZED
Main Street Fort Dodge is working with business and property owners in the 33-block District. The boundaries closely align with the Downtown Historic District; however, are slightly larger in some areas to the south and east because they are part of the downtown pedestrian connections and include some key commercial redevelopment areas.
In August 2017, Fort Dodge joined the Main Street family of communities across the country revitalizing their economy through historic preservation. The SSMID Board of Directors created a new 501(c)(3) nonprofit merging Main Street and SSMID.
The Downtown Fort Dodge Self-Supported Municipal Improvement District (SSMID) was formed in 1982 to breathe economic life into historic downtown Fort Dodge. Fort Dodge initially became a Main Street community in 1987 to revitalize the District which suffered economic decline for many years. Accomplishing many goals, Fort Dodge left the Main Street program in 2002, the SSMID Board of Directors continued sponsoring public projects making the District safer, easier to navigate, and creating garden spaces throughout the downtown.
MISSION & VISION
MISSION
Working to reclaim the downtown’s historical purpose and prosperity by revitalizing the culture and character of its original merchant district.
OUR
OUR
VISION
Main Street Fort Dodge will define its current and future activities and philosophies by taking into consideration the basic aspects of Cleanliness, Safety, Friendliness, and Vibrancy in all its forms, allowing historic downtown to realize its full potential as an economic driver for commerce.
ECONOMIC IMPACT
Public improvement efforts by Main Street Fort Dodge are partially funded by the Downtown Fort Dodge Self-Supported Municipal Improvement District. SSMID was created in 1982 and is renewed every 10 years; most recently in 2022.
Here is a sample of the projects MSFD has implemented since inception:
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Safety Cameras, especially in parking areas: $120,000
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2021 Challenge Grant Awarded to 1109 Central Ave.: $75,000
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Pick It Up trash containers: $10,000
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The commission of a Downtown Streetscape Plan: $60,000
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Large Central Ave planters: $3,200 annually/decorated seasonally by Pride in Community Appearance (PICA)
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Lunch on Central
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Fencing Grants: $5,000 available annually
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Merry on Main/Small Business Saturday: $1,000 annually
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IGNITE Entrepreneurial Series: $2,000
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Redesigned parking initiative: $2,200
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Downtown Country Jam Sponsor: $1,000
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Free Building Design Assistance provided by Main Street Iowa:
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Access Audio (500 1st Ave. S);
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Dodge Graphix (419-429 1st Ave S);
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Trolley Center (904-920 Central Ave);
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Snell Building (801 Central Ave)
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Transformation Strategies:
"Preserving & Activating Underutilized Buildings & Spaces"
"Making Downtown a Destination"
FOUR POINT APPROACH:
ECONOMIC VITALITY
ORGANIZATION
PROMOTION
PROMOTION & DESIGN
