National designation recognizes strong commitment to revitalization, positive local impact

The Eagle River Revitalization Program (ERRP) was recently designated as a 2026 Affiliate Main Street America program for meeting high performance standards.

Each year, Main Street America and its partners announce the roster of designated programs in recognition of their commitment to creating meaningful improvements in their downtowns through preservation-based economic development and community revitalization using the Main Street Approach.

“We are proud to recognize the Eagle River Revitalization Program as a 2026 Affiliate Main Street America program for your unwavering commitment to grassroots transformation and the extraordinary abilities of your staff, board of directors, and volunteers to respond to the needs of their community,” said Erin Barnes, president and CEO at Main Street America. “The Eagle River Revitalization Program demonstrates a dedication to investing in the people and places that make your downtown district special and contribute to the collective power of the Main Street movement to build vibrant spaces and durable economies.”

ERRP’s performance was evaluated through assessments conducted by the organization’s personnel and board of directors, and the Eagle River Revitalization Program, 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 framework for reviewing progress, recognizing strengths, understanding trends, and identifying strategies to move Main Street programs forward.

ERRP is one of 453 nationally recognized Affiliate Main Street America organizations and is a part of a network of more than 1,600 communities leading positive commercial district transformation efforts throughout the United States.

Most recently, ERRP was able to fund 11 downtown businesses with cash awarded to Eagle River through the Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation’s Impact Grant. The ERRP also manages the Young Entrepreneurs Program and the Eagle River Farmers Market on Wednesdays and Sundays throughout the summer.

The most recent farmers market on May 24 had an attendance of more than 2,800 customers.

Main Street designations

Main Street America recognizes two tiers of national designation, Accredited and Affiliate. These designations are a powerful tool, signaling to community members, civic leaders, decision makers, funders, and others that the Main Street program holds an established position within a nationwide movement with a 45-year proven track record of generating impressive economic returns, fostering welcoming and inviting communities, and creating lasting impact.
To qualify for Affiliate status, Main Street America’s second designation tier, communities must demonstrate a strong commitment to the Main Street model and dedication to achieving outcomes 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 2025, Main Street America programs generated $9.4 billion in local reinvestment, welcomed 6,936 net new businesses, facilitated the creation of 36,549 net new jobs, rehabilitated 10,623 historic buildings, and leveraged 1.8 million volunteer hours. On average, for every dollar a Main Street program spent on operations, $23.13 was reinvested in its downtown district.