Our Town Coshocton earns 2026 designation

Our Town Coshocton has been designated as a 2026 Affiliate Main Street America program for meeting high-performance standards. Each year Main Street America and its partners announce the roster of designated programs in recognition of their commitment to creating improvements in their downtowns through preservation-based economic development and community revitalization using the Main Street Approach.

“We are proud to recognize Our Town Coshocton as a 2026 Affiliate 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. "Our Town Coshocton 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.”

Our Town Coshocton is one of 453 nationally recognized Affiliate 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 signal 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 track record of generating economic returns, fostering inviting communities and creating impact.

Our Town Coshocton’s performance was evaluated through assessments conducted by the organization’s personnel and board of directors and Heritage Ohio, which works in partnership with Main Street America to identify local programs that meet national community evaluation standards. These standards provide the Main Street America network with a framework for reviewing progress, recognizing strengths, understanding trends and identifying strategies to move Main Street programs forward.

To qualify for affiliate status — Main Street America’s second designation tier — communities must demonstrate a strong commitment to the Main Street model and dedication to achieving outcomes 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.

Over the past year, Our Town Coshocton has made strides in strengthening downtown through increased programming, stronger business engagement and growing community support. Its event calendar continues to expand, bringing consistent activity and visitors into the district while creating opportunities for local businesses. It also introduced and grew initiatives like the Hometown Perks program, The District Social and One Block at a Time.

Collaboration among businesses, volunteers and community partners has been at an all-time high, helping to build alignment and momentum.

“Our affiliation with Main Street America connects us to proven strategies, resources and a nationwide network that strengthens our ability to drive meaningful, lasting revitalization in downtown Coshocton,” said Hailey Helter, executive director of Our Town Coshocton.