KFDA Receives 2022 National Main Street accreditation

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The following is a press release from the Klamath Falls Downtown Association.

KLAMATH FALLS, Ore. - For the second straight year, the Klamath Falls Downtown Association (KFDA) has been designated as an accredited Main Street™ program for meeting rigorous performance standards. Each year, Main Street America and its partners announce the list of accredited programs to recognize their exceptional commitment to preservation-based economic development and community revitalization through the MainStreet Approach™.

“We are extremely proud to recognize this year’s 863 nationally Accredited Main Street America programs that have worked tirelessly to advance economic vitality and quality of life in their downtowns and commercial districts,” said Patrice Frey, President & CEO of Main StreetAmerica. “During another incredibly challenging year, these programs demonstrated the power of the Main Street movement to respond to the needs of their communities. I am inspired by their steadfast leadership and innovative solutions to drive essential local recovery efforts, support small businesses, and nurture vibrant downtown districts.”

Jonathan Teichert, Klamath Falls City Manager, shared his congratulations for the award and appreciation for KFDA’s work. “This has been a great partnership with the Downtown Association whose success is easily shown by their continued willingness to get behind big ideas to move them forward and by the hundreds of people enjoying our downtown weekly. KFDA has led the way in showing how our Downtown is the heart of Klamath Falls through their continued and consistent success. Their achievement shows their commitment to our community and a robust Downtown. Congratulations and great job!"

In 2021, Main Street America programs generated $5.76 billion in local reinvestment, helped open 6,601 net new businesses, generated 30,402 net new jobs, catalyzed the rehabilitation of 10,595 historic buildings, and leveraged 1,427,729 volunteer hours. On average, for every dollar that a Main Street program spent to support their operations, it generated $19.34 of new investment back into Main Street communities.

KFDA’s performance is annually evaluated by Oregon Main Street, which works in partnership with Main Street America to identify the local programs that meet rigorous national performance standards. Evaluation criteria determines the communities that are building meaningful and sustainable revitalization programs and include standards such as, fostering strong public-private partnerships, supporting small and locally owned businesses, and actively preserving historic places, spaces, and cultural assets.

Main Street organizations use the Main Street Approach™ as a basic framework that supports locally customized revitalization through transformational strategies in four interconnected areas – Design, Organization, Promotion, and Economic Vitality.

“Accreditation at this level is made much easier through the support of our members, volunteers, partner organizations, and leadership. As we prepare to hold our Annual Meeting to celebrate with the rest of the downtown community, it’s fitting to recognize this accomplishment,” said Jill Russel, KFDA President.