Cheyenne, Wyo. – Wyoming Main Street (WMS), a program of the Wyoming Business Council (WBC), is pleased to announce that eight Wyoming communities have received 2026 National Main Street designations. These local programs are recognized for their work in revitalizing downtown districts and supporting small businesses.
Main Street America, the national coordinating body, categorizes these programs into two tiers: Accredited and Affiliate. Each year, Wyoming Main Street works with local program personnel and boards of directors to evaluate performance and impact using rigorous national community evaluation standards.
“Wyoming’s vibrant and multifaceted Main Street communities have demonstrated their adherence to rigorous national standards while delivering tangible benefits to their downtowns and historic districts,” noted WMS Manager Kayla Kler. “These programs are driven by hard-working staff, leadership boards, and community residents who are committed to fostering thriving and resilient local economies.”
2026 Designated Communities
Accredited: This is the top tier of recognition. To qualify, programs must show a strong track record in six areas, including sustainable funding, community commitment, and measurable results.
- Laramie: Laramie Main Street Alliance
- Rock Springs: Rock Springs Main Street and URA
- Sheridan: Downtown Sheridan Association
- Gillette: Gillette Main Street
Affiliate: This tier recognizes programs that are actively using the Main Street model to improve their commercial districts and are committed to national standards.
- Torrington: Torrington Main Street
- Douglas: Main Street Douglas
- Glenrock: Glenrock Main Street
- Evanston: Downtown Evanston
By the Numbers
The impact of these programs is measured through local investment and job creation. In 2025, Wyoming’s Main Street communities achieved the following results:
- 28 net new businesses opened
- 53 net new jobs created
- 12,610 volunteer hours donated by residents
Wyoming’s programs are part of a national network of more than 1,600 communities. According to Main Street America, the national movement has resulted in over 850,000 net new jobs and $124 billion in local reinvestment since 1980.
To learn how your community can become a Main Street community, visit the WMS Program Information page at wyomingmainstreet.org or reach out to WMS Manager Kayla Kler at [email protected].
About Wyoming Main Street
Wyoming Main Street (WMS) is a coordinating program of Main Street America and the Wyoming Business Council, providing technical assistance and support to communities interested in revitalizing their downtown. Focused on building capacity and sustainability, WMS works with communities of all sizes across the state. The Main Street approach is a grassroots method of economic and community development, focusing on small business, historic preservation, and inclusivity. Main Street is community-led, relying on resident feedback and volunteers.
About Main Street America
Main Street America leads an inclusive, impact-driven movement dedicated to reenergizing and strengthening older and historic downtowns and neighborhood commercial districts nationwide. For more information, visit mainstreet.org.
