WAUSAU RIVER DISTRICT RECEIVES DESIGNATION AS A 2026 MAIN STREET AMERICA ACCREDITED PROGRAM

This highest national designation recognizes Wausau’s exceptional commitment to community-based revitalization and positive local impact.

Wausau River District has been designated as a 2026 Accredited Main Street America program for meeting rigorous performance standards. Each year, Main Street America and its partners announce the roster of designated programs in recognition of their commitment to creating meaningful improvements in their downtowns through preservation-based economic development and community revitalization using the Main Street ApproachTM.

“We are proud to recognize Wausau River District as a 2026 Accredited Main Street America program for your unwavering commitment to grassroots transformation and the extraordinary abilities of your staff, board of directors, and volunteers to respond to the needs of their community,” said Erin Barnes, President and CEO at Main Street America. “Wausau River District demonstrates a dedication to investing in the people and places that make your downtown district special and contribute to the collective power of the Main Street movement to build vibrant spaces and durable economies.”

Wausau River District is one of 838 nationally recognized Accredited Main Street America organizations and is a part of a network of over 1,600 communities leading positive commercial district transformation efforts throughout the United States.

Main Street America recognizes two tiers of national designation — Accredited and Affiliate. These designations are a badge of excellence and a powerful tool, signaling to community members, civic leaders, decision makers, funders, and others that the Main Street program holds an established position within a nationwide movement with a 45-year proven track record of generating transformative economic returns, fostering welcoming and inviting communities, and creating lasting positive impact.

Wausau River District’s performance was evaluated through assessments conducted by the organization’s personnel and board of directors, and Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation, which works in partnership with Main Street America to identify local programs that meet rigorous national community evaluation standards.

These standards provide the Main Street America network with a strong framework for reviewing progress, recognizing strengths, understanding trends, and identifying strategies to move Main Street programs forward.

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.

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, rehabilitated 10,623 historic buildings, and leveraged 1.8 million volunteer hours. On average, for every dollar a Main Street program spent on operations, $23.13 was reinvested in its downtown district.

The Wausau River District comprises 34 blocks near downtown Wausau and contains 326 small businesses. In 2025, we hosted the Night Market Series, which was awarded as the “Best Downtown Special Event” in Wisconsin. 58,000 attendees were recorded at the 22 events we hosted, with over 2900 volunteer hours invested. We are so grateful for the dedicated downtown businesses, property owners, and those who shop local who make being in the Wausau River District spectacular!

“Being accredited for the 24th year in a row is an honor and testament to those who are investing in our community. We can’t wait for everyone to see what we have in store for 2026!” says Executive Director Rylie Hutchinson.