Property owners invited to authorize continued investment in the Cedar Falls Downtown District by Community Main Street.

The SSMID is a locally controlled funding mechanism that allows property owners to collectively invest in the vitality, growth, and success of the Downtown District. Since its creation in 1987, the SSMID has provided the stable funding necessary for Community Main Street to serve as the dedicated organization focused on promoting, preserving, and strengthening downtown.

Through the support of the SSMID, Community Main Street has been able to accomplish far more together than any one property owner, business, or organization could achieve independently. These investments have helped create a downtown that is recognized throughout Iowa as a destination for shopping, dining, entertainment, arts, recreation, and community events.

Today, SSMID funding supports initiatives including:

• Downtown beautification, including seasonal flowers, and holiday decor
• Marketing and promotion of the Downtown District and its businesses
• Business retention, recruitment, and economic development efforts
• Signature events that attract visitors and drive economic activity
• Historic preservation and placemaking initiatives
• Advocacy on behalf of downtown businesses and property owners
• Community engagement, volunteer coordination, and district-wide improvements

The impact of these efforts can be seen throughout the district. Downtown Cedar Falls continues to experience strong investment, high occupancy rates, increasing visitation, and a reputation as one of Iowa's premier downtown destinations. Community Main Street coordinates more than 4,000 volunteer hours annually, supports over 150 businesses, and hosts events and initiatives that attract tens of thousands of visitors each year. In 2025 alone Community Main Street helped facilitate the move of Sturgis Falls to Main Street as well as hosting RAGBRAI. These two events saw an average of 34,000 people visiting the Cedar Falls Downtown District.

As we look ahead, renewal of the SSMID will allow us to continue building on this momentum. It will provide the resources necessary to support economic vitality, maintain the character and appeal of downtown, and pursue new opportunities that benefit property owners, businesses, residents, and visitors alike.
‍

‍

‍