The Utah Main Street program announced Tuesday that applications for Round 4 of the Rural Revib & Reside Grant will officially open on July 15 and remain available through September 18. The initiative, which focuses on the revitalization of historic commercial districts, provides a structured approach to strengthening local economies through preservation-based development.
Four-Point Revitalization Strategy
The Utah Main Street program serves as a network of community members dedicated to the revitalization of historic commercial districts. According to the Utah State Historic Preservation Office, the program aims to bring people together to preserve the heart of local communities and celebrate unique regional identities.
The program utilizes the Main Street America Four-Point Approach, a methodology designed to create vibrant downtowns through four specific pillars: organization, promotion, design, and economic vitality. This strategy is intended to be a comprehensive, incremental tool that allows communities to leverage local assets and address the various challenges facing traditional commercial districts.
Economic Development Framework
Paul Larsen, the Economic Development Director for Brigham City, has endorsed the program's effectiveness. In a statement from the Utah State Historic Preservation Office, Larsen noted that he is not aware of any other program that comes close to the Main Street America Four-Point approach for creating vibrant downtown areas, and he recommends the framework to any community seeking revitalization.
The Utah Main Street program functions as a coordinating program of Main Street America, a network that has been assisting in the revitalization of older historic commercial districts for over 35 years. As part of this larger ecosystem, Utah Main Street is a subsidiary of the National Main Street Center, which itself is a branch of the National Trust for Historic Preservation.
Utah Program Network Tiers
As of 2026, the Utah Main Street network includes 29 different communities categorized into three distinct tiers of accreditation and involvement. The Tier 3 Accredited level currently includes Logan, while Tier 2 Affiliate communities consist of Brigham City, Cedar City, Heber, Helper, Monroe, Mt. Pleasant, Murray, Ogden, Parowan, Payson, Price, Tooele City, and Vernal.
The program also recognizes a larger group of Tier 1 Promising communities. This group includes Bountiful, Fillmore, Green River, Gunnison, Koosharem, Magna, Midvale, Midway, Milford, Park City, Pleasant Grove, Smithfield, Spring City, Springville, and Tremonton.
Program History and Oversight
The Utah Main Street program has undergone several administrative transitions over the years. While the program initially operated from 1992 to 2007, it was later piloted between 2019 and 2021 with the cities of Brigham City and Price. During the 2021 legislative session, Senate Bill 94 officially established Utah Main Street within the Governor’s Office of Economic Development, which is now known as the Governor’s Office of Economic Opportunity.
In July 2022, the program moved its administrative oversight to the Department of Cultural and Community Engagement. This transition reflects the state's ongoing commitment to using historic preservation as a tool for economic development.
Available Network Services
For communities already established within the Utah Main Street network, the program offers a specific FY26 Menu of Services. These resources are designed to assist with various administrative and developmental needs, including board development, succession planning, and grant reviews.
Available services for network members include Main Street Quick Consultations, Deep Dive sessions, and training in areas such as Branding and Media, Volunteer Management, and Board Development. Additionally, the program provides technical assistance through Transformation Strategy Development Visits, Site Visits, and the ability to request Letters of Support.
Resources and Support
In addition to technical services, the Utah State Historic Preservation Office maintains various resources for community growth. This includes a Grant Opportunities Dashboard where local communities can track upcoming funding and a State of Utah Funding Opportunities Portal to explore both state and federal resources.
For inquiries regarding the program, the Utah State Historic Preservation Office provides direct contact information for Chelsea Gauthier, the Utah Main Street Program Manager and Statewide Coordinator, as well as Faith Bitz, the Utah Main Street Communities and Events Specialist.
