PICA Receives Main Street Iowa Leadership Award

2026 Main Street Iowa Development Awards

Main Street Fort Dodge is proud to announce that Pride in Community Appearance (PICA) has been honored with the Main Street Iowa Leadership Award, a statewide recognition celebrating exceptional volunteerism, leadership, and community impact. The award was presented during the 2026 Main Street Iowa Development Awards in West Des Moines, an event marking the 40th anniversary of the Iowa Economic Development Authority’s (IEDA) Main Street Iowa program and recognizing outstanding revitalization efforts across the state.

“Over the past 40 years, Main Street Iowa has grown into one of the strongest and most respected statewide Main Street programs in the country, and that success comes directly from the people doing the work in these communities,” said Debi Durham, director of IEDA and the Iowa Finance Authority. “Local leaders, volunteers and business owners continue to invest in their downtowns and create places where people want to live, work and gather.”

PICA was selected as one of 45 Leadership Award recipients statewide, reflecting the organization’s long-standing commitment to enhancing the beauty, vitality, and welcoming character of Fort Dodge. The Main Street Iowa program highlighted the essential role volunteers and local leaders play in strengthening downtowns and fostering vibrant, resilient communities.

Founded in 2001 by Jan and Phyllis Wilson, PICA has grown into a model of community stewardship. For more than two decades, volunteers have devoted their time, talent, and energy to maintaining and beautifying public spaces throughout Fort Dodge. Their work includes planting and caring for flower beds, painting, and landscaping public areas.

PICA’s impact is both broad and sustained. The group regularly engages 20 or more volunteers at each event, inspiring civic pride and participation among residents. In 2025 alone, volunteers contributed an estimated 270 hours to downtown projects, demonstrating their ongoing dedication to improving the quality of life in Fort Dodge.

This year also marks PICA’s 25th anniversary, a milestone that underscores the organization’s enduring influence on the community. In recognition of this achievement and their statewide honor, the Fort Dodge City Council issued an official Proclamation at Monday’s council meeting, acknowledging PICA’s outstanding service and lasting contributions to the beautification and betterment of Fort Dodge.