Woodland Park moves to rejoin Colorado Main Street program; manager named, board recruitment open

Anita Riggle, the city’s budget and economic development analyst, was introduced Aug. 7 as Woodland Park’s Main Street manager as the City Council discussed re-entering the Colorado Main Street program.

Riggle told the council Main Street “focuses on revitalization, preserving the historic character of our town and fostering a vibrant community,” using a four‑point approach of organization, promotion, design and economic vitality. She said Woodland Park currently holds “aspiring” status in the program and staff aim to apply for “achieving” status between April and June 2026.

The council heard that rejoining the program will require a letter of support, a volunteer board and a work plan that defines Main Street boundaries and goals. Kimberly Burleson, the city’s budget director, introduced Riggle and said she will support the manager in the transition. Representatives from the Colorado Department of Local Affairs (DOLA) — identified in the meeting as Dola, Gail and Tracy — attended a prior work session and answered questions for council and staff.

Council members and staff discussed how past local work could count toward the Main Street application. Tracy told councilors that “with your application, you most certainly will get credit for all that the city, the DDA and the community has done.” Council members asked about credit for Bergstrom Park improvements and the DDA microgrant work; staff said those efforts would be documented and presented as part of the application.

Staff reported the city previously achieved Colorado Main Street status (achieving in 2016 and excelling in 2019) and stepped out of the program in 2024 because the nonprofit that supported the effort became unsustainable. The city has reopened applications for a volunteer Main Street board; staff said five applications had been received and four additional people had expressed interest. Applications will remain open until Aug. 14 at 10 a.m., and staff said they plan to bring the slate of nominees to the council for confirmation at the Aug. 20 meeting.

City staff described expected near‑term activities tied to the Main Street program: mini grants, façade work, event promotion, wayfinding and volunteer committees built around the program’s four pillars. Staff said they will coordinate Main Street activities with the Downtown Development Authority (DDA) and other local groups.

Councilors expressed general support and staff said they will return to the council with formal materials and the board appointments for approval.