Jefferson Matters, which works to promote and preserve the historic downtown in the community of more than 4,000 people, has been named a recipient of Main Street America’s Great American Main Street Award.

The award recognized Main Street communities for their work to preserve and revitalize their historic downtowns and commercial districts. The awards were presented recently during the Main Street Now Conference in Philadelphia. The other recipients were Denison Main Street (Denison, Texas) and Raton Main Street (Raton, N.M.).

A local ceremony is planned for 10-11 a.m. on April 14 in the plaza on the south side of the Greene County Courthouse in Jefferson.

Award recipients are chosen by a national jury of industry professional and local economic development and historic preservation leaders.

According to a news release, since Jefferson became a Main Street city in 2012, Jefferson Matters has:

• Transformed $6 million of public investment into $18 million of private investment.
• Helped open 45 net new businesses.
• Facilitated the creation of 101 net new jobs.
• Catalyzed the rehabilitation of 115 buildings.
• Leveraged more than 57,000 volunteer hours.

Among the attractions that draw an average of 6,500 visitors a year are downtown rooftop murals that can be seen from an observation deck at the town’s bell tower. The focus on art has also brought in new businesses and studio space, turned unused alleys into art hubs and inspired public art installations, the news release stated.

“Jefferson not only embodies the spirit of a thriving Main Street community but also serves as a model of innovation and community engagement for Main Street programs across the state — and the nation,” Debi Durham, director of the Iowa Economic Development Authority and the Iowa Finance Authority, said in the release.

Matt Wetrich, Jefferson Matters executive director, said the award reflects the “passion that fuels Jefferson.”

“Our community, board and volunteers have embraced the idea that public art is more than just decoration — it is a driver of economic growth, a source of civic pride and a way to bring people together,” he said in the release.