The Department of Local Affairs’ (DOLA) Colorado Main Street Program is pleased to announce that 18 Colorado communities, including Pagosa Springs, have achieved National Main Street designations for 2026.
Colorado Main Street works with local program personnel and boards of directors to evaluate performance and impact using rigorous national community evaluation standards to recognize each local program for its work in revitalizing downtown districts and supporting small businesses.
Main Street America, the national coordinating body, accredits these communities for their commitment to preservation-based economic development and community revitalization.
The announcement highlights how grassroots programs create jobs, rehabilitate historic buildings and foster resilient local economies.
“Accredited” is the top tier of recognition within the national program.
To qualify, programs must show a strong track record in six areas, including sustainable funding, community commitment and measurable results.
Main Street by the
numbers
The impact of these programs is measured through local investment and job creation.
In 2025, Colorado Main Street communities resulted in:
• 87 net new businesses opened.
• 303 net new jobs created.
• 65 buildings rehabilitated.
• $159,404,348 invested through public-private partnerships.
• 15,582 volunteer hours donated by the community.
• 2,777 events held, with more than 330,000 attendees.
According to Main Street America, in 2025, the national movement has resulted in more than 36,500 net new jobs, 6,900 net new businesses, 10,000 building renovations and $9.4 billion in local reinvestment.
>