This highest national designation recognizes Windsor’s exceptional commitment to community-based revitalization and positive local impact
Windsor Downtown Alliance (WDA), for a third consecutive year, has been designated as a 2026 Accredited Main Street America program for meeting rigorous performance standards. Each year, Main Street America and its partners announce the roster of designated programs in recognition of their commitment to creating meaningful improvements in their downtowns through preservation-based economic development and community revitalization using the Main Street Approach.
“We are proud to recognize Windsor Downtown Alliance as a 2026 Accredited Main Street America program for your unwavering commitment to grassroots transformation and the extraordinary abilities of your staff, board of directors and volunteers to respond to the needs of their community,” says Erin Barnes, president and CEO of Main Street America. “Windsor Downtown Alliance demonstrates a dedication to investing in the people and places that make your downtown district special and contribute to the collective power of the Main Street movement to build vibrant spaces and durable economies.”
The WDA is one of 838 nationally recognized Accredited Main Street America organizations and is part of a network of over 1,600 communities leading positive commercial district transformation efforts throughout the U.S. Main Street America recognizes two tiers of national designation: Accredited and Affiliate. These designations are a badge of excellence and a powerful tool, signaling to community members, civic leaders, decision makers, funders and others that the Main Street program holds an established position within a nationwide movement with a 45-year proven track record of generating transformative economic returns, fostering welcoming and inviting communities and creating lasting positive impact.
The WDA’s performance was evaluated through assessments conducted by the organization’s personnel and board of directors, and Colorado Main Street, which works in partnership with Main Street America to identify local programs that meet rigorous national community evaluation standards. These standards provide the Main Street America network with a strong framework for reviewing progress, recognizing strengths, understanding trends and identifying strategies to move Main Street programs forward.
To qualify for Accredited status—Main Street America’s top designation tier—communities must demonstrate a proven track record of achieving outcomes in alignment with the Main Street Approach and exceptional performance in six areas: broad-based community commitment to revitalization, inclusive leadership and organizational capacity, diversified funding and sustainable program operations, strategy-driven programming, preservation-based economic development and demonstrated impact and results.
In 2025, Main Street America programs generated $9.4 billion in local reinvestment, welcomed 6,936 net new businesses, facilitated the creation of 36,549 net new jobs, rehabilitated 10,623 historic buildings and leveraged 1.8 million volunteer hours. On average, for every dollar a Main Street program spent on operations, $23.13 was reinvested in its downtown district.
In 2025, the WDA continued advancing major infrastructure and redevelopment initiatives that support the long-term vitality of downtown Windsor. Significant accomplishments included completion of the downtown undergrounding project, advancement of the Main Street Rehabilitation design and progress toward construction of the new 400-block parking lot, adding 126 public parking spaces and upgraded utilities. The WDA also expanded community programming and business support efforts while continuing façade improvements, redevelopment coordination and strategic planning initiatives. Downtown Windsor continues to experience strong growth in property values, sales tax generation and private investment, reinforcing downtown’s role as an economic and community destination.
“Receiving the 2026 National Main Street Accreditation reflects the tremendous progress downtown Windsor has made through strong partnerships, strategic investment and a shared community vision,” says Annie Lloyd, WDA board president. “In 2025, we continued laying the groundwork for transformational infrastructure and redevelopment projects that will positively impact downtown for generations to come.”
“The Accredited designation recognizes the hard work of our board, town leadership, business owners, property owners, volunteers and community partners who continue investing in downtown Windsor,” says Michelle Vance, executive director of the WDA. “From advancing major infrastructure improvements to expanding redevelopment and beautification efforts, 2025 was a year focused on building long-term momentum for the future of downtown.”
