Highest national designation recognizes Driggs and Coeur d’Alene’s exceptional commitment to community-based revitalization and positive local impact
BOISE, ID (May 6, 2026) – The cities of Coeur d’Alene and Driggs have earned the highest level of national accreditation from Main Street America, a national movement that guides communities as they work to revitalize their downtowns. Idaho Commerce administers the statewide Main Street program, helping communities gather resources and track program successes.
Chosen from a highly competitive field of applicants, Coeur d’Alene and Driggs are among only 838 communities nationwide to achieve this status in 2026. This accreditation recognizes these cities’ exceptional commitment to economic development and downtown revitalization. Both communities are part of a network of communities leading positive commercial district transformation efforts throughout the United States.
“Achieving Main Street America accreditation is a powerful recognition of the dedication, collaboration, and vision within Idaho’s communities,” said Idaho Main Street Coordinator Jenny Hemly. “These programs are not only preserving the unique character of their downtowns, but actively building vibrant, resilient places where businesses can thrive and people want to gather. This designation reflects a commitment to thoughtful revitalization and a shared belief in the importance of strong, locally driven economies across our state.”
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. Both communities have been a part of the Main Street America movement for many years; Coeur d’Alene since 1990 and Driggs since 2012.
“Receiving recognition as an Accredited Main Street reflects our community’s ongoing commitment to preserving the character of downtown, supporting local businesses, and fostering a clean, safe and welcoming environment for all to live, work and play,” said Emily Boyd, Executive Director of the Coeur d’Alene Downtown Association. “This designation reinforces our mission to ensure downtown remains the recognized heart of a vibrant community. This achievement marks an important step forward not only for the Downtown Association, but for the State of Idaho as we continue to strengthen our downtown communities. We’re proud to join a national network of Accredited Main Street programs and look forward to continued partnership with Idaho Commerce and Main Street America.”
“Achieving Main Street America accreditation is an important milestone for the nonprofit Downtown Driggs Association, recognizing our commitment to best practices in downtown revitalization and community development,” said Lisa Simmons, Executive Director of the Downtown Driggs Association (DDA). “Accreditation provides a proven framework for revitalization, increased credibility, and access to valuable resources and partnerships. This designation will help us build momentum to strengthen DDA and ensure a more vibrant, resilient downtown.”
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, and rehabilitated 10,623 historic buildings nationwide. On average, for every dollar a Main Street program spent on operations, $23.13 was reinvested in its downtown district.
More information on Main Street America’s 2026 designations is available here.