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Old Town steering committee proposes Main Street nonprofit, council signals initial support
Summary
A volunteer committee told the council it wants Timnath to pursue the Colorado Main Street program and form a 501(c)(3) nonprofit to lead downtown revitalization; council members asked staff and the committee to return with specific funding, staffing and benchmarks.
Timnath, Colo. — Members of the Old Town steering committee on March 25 recommended that Timnath seek “achieving” status with the Colorado Main Street program and create a dedicated 501(c)(3) nonprofit to manage downtown revitalization, event programming and business recruitment. The committee described a hybrid structure that combines a volunteer board with funded staff support from the town during start-up.
Lisonbee Keithley, a member of the Old Town steering committee, told council, “Old Town Steering Committee envisions Timnath's Downtown District as a vibrant and distinctive hub of economic, cultural, and social opportunity.” The committee showed examples from comparable Colorado towns, highlighted Wellington’s recent downtown grants and asked for a modest start-up investment to incorporate the nonprofit, hire a program manager and run initial Main Street activities.
Why it matters: Committee members and multiple public commenters said a staffed Main Street program would provide a coordinated approach to attract small businesses, organize events and manage façade and property activation along Main Street. Supporters urged the town to commit seed funding to recruit a qualified program manager while the nonprofit builds private and grant support.
Council feedback mixed detail and support. Several council members and staff said they supported the 5 0 1(c)(3) hybrid approach in principle but asked the committee to return with a clear seed-funding request, specific milestones or matching requirements and a breakdown of staff time the town would need to provide during start-up. Council asked staff to identify whether existing economic‑development funds could be applied and to estimate legal and incorporation costs. Council also noted that Colorado Department of Local Affairs (DOLA) resources are available to assist select start-up items.
Next steps: The committee will prepare a more detailed proposal with a recommended seed budget, fundraising benchmarks and a timeline for recruiting a program manager; staff will assess town staff time commitments and funding options. Council recommended the group return with that refined plan in April and indicated conditional support pending those specifics.
