The Colorado Main Street network has recognized Pagosa Springs Main Street as Community of the Year and Kathleen McFadden as Manager of the Year, honoring their exceptional leadership, innovation and results in downtown revitalization.
Though presented as one combined award, the recognition celebrates both the strength of the Pagosa Springs Main Street program and the leadership driving its success.
Pagosa Springs was selected by peers from across the state for its efforts to support downtown businesses during a major two-year Colorado Department of Transportation (CDOT) reconstruction project.
Although the construction was not initiated by the program, Pagosa Springs Main Street quickly became a unifying force for the business community. The program formed the Cone Zone Care Committee, led a coordinated communications and visibility campaign and launched the Main Street Business Assistance Grant Fund, raising more than $12,500 to help businesses navigate construction impacts.
The program’s innovative approach has included the installation of parking and wayfinding signage, coordination of downtown events such as Wednesday Wine Walks and sidewalk sales, and collaboration with Colorado Main Street consultants to produce a 3-D fly-through rendering that helps residents and business owners visualize the improved streetscape once construction is complete. These events are designed not only to increase foot traffic downtown during construction, but also to encourage local spending. Prizes and giveaways are purchased from downtown merchants or donated by community partners. Every effort helps keep dollars local and supports the businesses that give downtown its unique charm.
In addition to its support during construction, Pagosa Springs Main Street has leveraged its resources to deliver lasting public improvements.
The program turned a $7,500 Colorado Main Street mini-grant into a $250,000 CDOT Revitalizing Main Streets grant, funding a new sidewalk, lighting, benches and landscaping to improve accessibility between the middle school and downtown. The program also secured an AARP sponsorship to enhance walkability and safety between the Pagosa Senior Center and the downtown Riverwalk, creating a more accessible and inviting connection for seniors and pedestrians. This improvement expands access to one of Pagosa Springs’ most scenic and well-used public amenities.
“This recognition is a true honor and a reflection of the incredible dedication of our all-volunteer Main Street Advisory Board and community partners,” said McFadden. “I couldn’t do what I do without them. They show up, work hard, and give countless hours because we all love Pagosa Springs and want to see our downtown thrive. Their commitment inspires me every day, and this award truly belongs to all of us.”
This recognition also extends to the Pagosa Springs Main Street Advisory Board, whose members include Rick Holter, chair; Jeremy Martin, vice chair; Barbara Swindlehurst, secretary; and members Rosanna Dufour, Mario Garcia, Darren Gantt, Santos O’Cañas, Archuleta County Commissioner Warren Brown, Pagosa Springs Mayor Shari Pierce and Tourism Executive Director Jennifer Green.
Their leadership and countless volunteer hours continue to shape a vibrant future for downtown.
Pagosa Springs is one of 27 official Colorado Main Street communities supported by the Colorado Department of Local Affairs. The program helps communities thrive by providing a framework for locally driven downtown revitalization, historic preservation and economic vitality.
Beyond its visible downtown improvements, Pagosa Springs Main Street continues to make meaningful progress through its heritage and culture initiatives by preserving local stories, celebrating historic assets and engaging residents in projects that honor the community’s past while inspiring its future. From the Oral History Project to partnerships supporting the Pagosa Springs History Museum and Historic Preservation Month, these efforts ensure that downtown revitalization is as much about heritage and identity as it is about economic growth.
Pagosa Springs Main Street is an official Town of Pagosa Springs program operating under the Pagosa Springs Community Development Corporation (PSCDC), which hosts and administers the initiative. Main Street is one of the PSCDC’s four primary programs supporting community and economic development.
To learn more about Pagosa Springs Main Street and how to support downtown businesses, visit PagosaMainStreet.org. For more about the Colorado Main Street Program, visit dlg.colorado.gov/main-street.
