Support Local Events

Your contributions help bring our community together all year long through events like BRAG, Porch Fest, Cruisin’ to the Square, Winter Festival, the Jefferson Matters Golf Tournament, After Hours: Insider Events, Ekphrasis, Spook the Loop, and our newest tradition, the CyHawk Tailgate and Rams Pep Rally. These moments create connection, spark joy, and keep our downtown thriving.

Strengthen Local Business Partnerships

We hosted more than 30 Java & Juice gatherings and celebrated 9 business milestones in 2025, from new openings to exciting growth. These moments help showcase our local businesses, strengthen community connections, and welcome newcomers with bags full of local swag, brochures, and helpful information.

Enhance Art, Culture, and Beautification

We continue to breathe new life into public spaces, from transforming our alleyways to supporting art initiatives like Ring Out for Art and Rooftop Art. Three new murals were added in 2025, with more art planned for 2026. Seasonal planters and storefront window décor add another layer of charm, creating a downtown that feels welcoming, creative, and full of hometown pride.

Promote Jefferson as a Destination

We promote Jefferson through strategic advertising with Carroll Broadcasting, KDLS, and the Iowa Information Group, along with billboards and active social media outreach to showcase all our town has to offer. In 2025, we launched our weekly video series “What’s Going Down in J-Town,” updated marketing materials throughout the community for visitors, and placed new ads in the Iowa Sportsman magazine and nearby county newspapers. We also refreshed our downtown look with updated banners and rebranded A-frames, helping Jefferson feel welcoming, visible, and easy to explore.

Invest in Education and Growth

Our staff and board members actively participate in conferences such as Main Street Iowa, Iowa Tourism, and the Iowa Art Summit, bringing home fresh ideas and creative strategies that help Jefferson stay vibrant and forward-thinking. In 2025, our team also traveled to Philadelphia for the National Main Street Conference, where Jefferson was honored with the Great American Main Street Award. We also lean on Main Street Iowa’s resources throughout the year, bringing knowledgeable speakers to our committees to support learning, spark new ideas, and help our teams grow. These experiences give us the tools and connections we need to keep Jefferson moving forward with confidence and heart.

Business Growth and Innovation

Your donations help strengthen Jefferson’s business community by providing meaningful support through a variety of grants. In 2025, Fudge’s Flowers, Greater Life Health and Wellness, Greene Goods, and The Public House all received funding to grow their products, services, and reach. We also helped support improvements like the new Sierra Community Theatre façade and landscaping at Elliott Art Studio. These grants, along with our façade, signage, and start-up programs, give local businesses the confidence and resources they need to keep thriving in downtown Jefferson.