Town hears Colorado Main Street presentation; staff to pursue designation application

Town redevelopment administrator Sierra Feder introduced representatives from the Department of Local Affairs’ Colorado Main Street program, who described the four‑point Main Street approach—organization, design, promotion and economic vitality—and the technical assistance and small grants available to designated communities.

DOLA’s Main Street architect Larry Lucas and specialist Matt Gordon outlined services available to designated communities, including consulting and design assistance, training, networking, and access to mini‑grants and scholarships (mini‑grant pools capped at $25,000 over five years for projects and $15,000 for scholarships across five years). The presenters cited examples of small‑scale physical projects and façade work leveraged with additional grants and noted that technical assistance can help communities assemble competitive proposals for larger grants.

Feder told the board staff would propose a timeline to pursue designation and asked for direction on the Main Street board’s composition; trustees discussed representation (residents and downtown businesses, historic preservation and arts commissioners, and youth representation) and affirmed support for moving forward. Feder said a formal resolution establishing a board and supporting the application will be brought back for action as part of the application package.

What’s next: Staff will open board applications and host outreach events, form a Main Street board structure, and return with a resolution for the trustees to authorize the town’s application.