Downtown Boone Main Street reports growth, fundraising and plans for upper‑story housing

Downtown Boone Main Street gave the City Council a year‑end review, outlining recent activity, fundraising and priorities for the next three years. The organization said its downtown district covers about 17 blocks and roughly 183 parcels and that its office is located in the Boone County Chamber building on Story Street.

The Main Street representative said the program had supported six new business starts, 12 net new jobs and nine building projects during the period, and reported a $5,000 public grant award. The presenter also said volunteers contributed work that the speaker valued at roughly "$22 and some change" per hour and that the organization raised "nearly $300,000" through a mix of private donations and public support.

The presentation described the organization's four‑point Main Street approach — design, economic vitality, organization and promotion — and said committees had focused in 2025 on business‑data improvements, grant refinement and historic‑preservation talks. Planned initiatives for 2026 include upper‑story housing work, an enhanced farmers market, a vintage market, improved wayfinding and installation of a signature art piece; the presenter said an arch fabricator's installation and a dedication date will be announced soon.

Council members thanked the Main Street representative and encouraged colleagues and the public to review the full slide deck and supporting materials provided in the packet.

The council did not take formal action on the presentation; the item was delivered as an informational report and no vote was required.