North Dakota’s Main Street initiative is a shared vision of healthy, vibrant communities that through fiscally responsible planning, attract the talent needed to support our growing economy. The Main Street Awards honor communities who show excellence in these principles by actively working to differentiate and enhance the quality of life for their residents, present and future. These awards are an opportunity for communities to showcase their unique efforts and attributes, and call attention to the tangible benefits an engaged community can create.
The Main Street Awards are a collaborative effort of the Office of Governor Doug Burgum, North Dakota Department of Commerce and North Dakota League of Cities.
Nomination Process
The Main Street Awards are an opportunity for communities to showcase their unique efforts and attributes and call attention to the tangible benefits an engaged community can create. A selection committee made up of the collaborating agencies and partners will judge entries on the criteria to make final award selections.
Categories and Descriptions
The award categories are listed below. For a complete listing of the awards, criteria, examples and sample nomination form, download the Awards Booklet.
ND Legendary Heritage Award
This award recognizes communities focused on preserving and protecting the historical assets of their towns. By honoring historical buildings and structures, spaces and other assets North Dakota’s communities connect generations of residents and inspire community pride.
ND Arts and Culture Award
This award recognizes communities that promote and celebrate the arts and culture. Communities that invest in the arts are improving quality of life, creating beautiful spaces and enriching the lives of residents and visitors. Local art and culture are what make our communities unique and are essential parts of attracting and retaining a talented workforce.
Revitalizer Award
This award recognizes communities that take empty or dilapidated lots or structures and revitalize them with updated infrastructure, mixed-use retail, residential, parks or other unique assets. Communities should demonstrate use of existing infrastructure, infusing it with new and innovative ideas, to ensure the most efficient use of public resources.
Legendary Young Leader Award
In North Dakota, youth aren’t just tomorrow’s leaders, they are also today’s leaders. This award recognizes a young North Dakota leader who has shown exemplary leadership in their community by speaking up, getting engaged and/or motivating others to invest in their community.
Vibrancy Award
This award recognizes communities that have activated space by investing in shared public space, cultural experiences and/or community events which draw residents and visitors. By providing engaging, lively spaces to residents and visitors, the vibrancy of North Dakota communities will continue to provide a high quality of life.
Livability for All Ages Award
This award recognizes a community, organization, or project that has taken steps to ensure their community can provide a high quality of life for people of all ages. These efforts emphasize active transportation, accessibility, and events that engage and empower people of all ages and abilities, helping North Dakota improve its health, economy and connectivity.
Differentiator Award
This award recognizes a community, organization, individual or specific project that has found an innovative and/or unique way to attract businesses, workforce, and visitors or enhance local quality of life by leveraging their unique assets or qualities.
Future Leaders Empowerment Award
This award recognizes a community that seeks to engage students in creating a healthy, vibrant community through leadership development, community planning or workforce exploration in community industries.
Main Street Excellence Award
This award will be presented to multiple communities in categories separated by population. These awards will recognize communities whose efforts emulate all three pillars of Main Street success - Smart, Efficient Infrastructure; 21st Century Workforce; and Healthy, Vibrant Communities.
2018 Award Winners:
Legendary Heritage Award: Fargo
Revitalizer Award: Belfield
Vibrancy Award: Watford City
Mobilizer Award: Jamestown
Differentiator Award: Binford
Future Leaders Empowerment Award: Rugby
Main Street Excellence Award: Grand Forks, Stanley, Garrison and Tuttle