Fairfield, Iowa Joins Elite Group of Iowa Communities

It's a pretty big deal to be named a Main Street community.

Main Street Iowa (MSI) is a state-run downtown revitalization program administered by the Iowa Economic Development Authority (IEDA), part of the national Main Street America network.

It works with a hand-picked group of communities to transform their historic downtown areas into thriving economic and cultural centers.

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To be designated an Iowa Main Street community, your town must

• Committed to improving its downtown, not just physically, but economically and socially.

• Working to preserve historic buildings, improve storefronts, and attract small businesses.

• Focused on walkability, events, arts, and culture to make downtown a destination.

• Supported by local volunteers, city leaders, and business owners.

Now, there's a new member of the Iowa Mainstreet network!

Fairfield Becomes Iowa’s Newest Main Street Community

Fairfield is officially Iowa’s newest Main Street community, earning a prestigious spot in a statewide network dedicated to revitalizing downtowns and boosting local economies.

The announcement came during the 2025 Iowa Downtown Conference in Muscatine, where community leaders from across the state gathered to celebrate progress in Iowa’s historic business districts.

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In a press release announcing the news, Debi Durham, director of the Iowa Economic Development Authority (IEDA) and Iowa Finance Authority, said,

Now they’re building on those strengths to create a more welcoming downtown, one that brings people together, supports local growth, and makes residents proud to call it home.

More About Fairfield

Located in Jefferson County in southeast Iowa, Fairfield is known for its international flavor, unique public art, and historic charm.

With more than 60 nationalities represented, the city has earned praise from Smithsonian magazine as one of America’s best small towns and was named one of the Top 7 Intelligent Communities in the world by the Intelligent Community Forum.

Fairfield first applied for Main Street Iowa status in 2024, but didn’t cut. Instead of giving up, local leaders doubled down, strengthening partnerships, investing in their vision, and acting on expert recommendations from the Iowa Downtown Resource Center.

That hard work paid off in 2025.

Iowa's Main Street Network

Fairfield now becomes the 54th community in the Main Street Iowa network, which uses a four-part strategy focused on economic vitality, design, promotion, and organization.

As part of its Main Street plan, Fairfield will focus on:

• Improving walkability and building facades

• Filling underused commercial spaces

• Promoting arts and culture

• Engaging volunteers

• Reinforcing downtown as a hub for dining, shopping, and community life

A public celebration is planned for August 12 in Fairfield.

The IEDA usually selects new Main Street communities every two years, but 2025 offered a unique opportunity as the program gears up for its 40th anniversary in 2026. Several strong applicants from 2024, including Fairfield, were invited to reapply.

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Since its launch in 1985, Main Street Iowa has helped communities generate $2.9 billion in private investment, open 5,600+ new businesses, and create 17,000+ jobs across the state.

Fairfield’s designation marks a new chapter and a bright future for its beloved downtown.

Want to keep the party going? Here's where to celebrate Oktoberfest in Iowa this year!