Main Street Grants Pass
Your Voice. Your Downtown. Your Future.
Main Street Grants Pass is powered by community. Our Four Subcommittees are where ideas become action.
““We exist to strengthen downtown Grants Pass as the cultural, economic, and community heart of Josephine County — while preserving its history and building its future.””
The Four-Point Approach
A Nationwide Movement for Downtown Revitalization
Main Street is more than just a program—it’s a movement. Main Street America, a program of the National Main Street Center, provides a comprehensive framework for revitalizing historic downtowns and commercial districts across the country. The Oregon Main Street Program, part of the Oregon Heritage Division, brings this mission to communities across the state, ensuring our small towns and cities have the tools to preserve their heritage while fostering economic growth.
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Supporting local businesses, attracting new ones, and growing downtown’s economy.
Examples: business surveys, recruitment strategies, property reinvestment. -
Beautification, signage, lighting, and preserving our historic character.
Examples: façade improvements, murals, awning repair/replacement, downtown clean-ups. -
Events, marketing, and bringing more people downtown.
Examples: Art Along the Rogue, First Friday, holiday activations. -
Building partnerships, recruiting volunteers, and securing funding.
Examples: Oregon Main Street Revitalization Grant, volunteer recognition, fundraising.
This model has helped thousands of towns across the U.S. reignite their downtowns, fostering places where people want to live, work, and visit.
Each subcommittee is open to all community members. These are the engines that drive Main Street forward.
Downtown Is a Team Effort.
Main Street doesn’t work alone. We coordinate closely with the Chamber, Visit Grants Pass, and the City’s Economic Development team to make sure downtown has strong, aligned leadership.”
Main Street Grants Pass - Downtown Focus
Organizing downtown events (Art Along the Rogue, Cocoa Crawl, August Cruise)
Recruiting and supporting businesses in the historic core
Engaging property owners and improving streetscapes
Chamber of Commerce - Business Advocacy
Workforce development, training, and leadership programs
Advocacy at city, county, and state levels
Focus on all industries across Josephine County
Visit Grants Pass - Tourism Promotion
Marketing Grants Pass as a visitor destination
Running regional tourism campaigns and visitor services
Bringing visitors downtown to spend in shops, restaurants, and hotels
City Economic Development - Infrastructure & Policy
Overseeing downtown infrastructure improvements (streets, utilities, parking)
Providing economic incentives and grant coordination
Ensuring policy alignment for revitalization projects
What We Hope to Achieve in Grants Pass
Our Vision for a Thriving Downtown
Grants Pass has long been known for its scenic beauty, outdoor recreation, and historic charm. However, like many small towns, our downtown has faced challenges, including economic shifts, changes in consumer behavior, and the need for infrastructure improvements. Main Street Grants Pass aims to turn these challenges into opportunities.
Our Goals
Create a Stronger Local Economy—We will boost economic growth by attracting investment, promoting entrepreneurship, and encouraging property development.
Increase Foot Traffic—We will make downtown the place to be through engaging events, improved walkability, and enhanced public spaces.
Support Local Businesses—We will help our downtown businesses grow and succeed by providing resources, networking opportunities, and grant funding.
Preserve Historic Buildings – Maintaining the architectural integrity of our downtown is crucial to preserving our city’s character and attracting visitors.
Foster a Sense of Community – A revitalized downtown isn’t just about businesses—it’s about creating a space where people can connect, celebrate, and feel at home.
Our Roots & Roadmap
In 2024, more than 70 community members, property owners, and business leaders came together with Civic Possible and Travel Oregon to chart a Downtown Roadmap for Grants Pass. That process identified what we love about our downtown — its history, character, and energy — and what we need to improve: safety, business mix, events, and public spaces.
Main Street Grants Pass was formed to carry that vision forward. The Roadmap is our foundation, and our Four Subcommittees are how we turn its priorities into action.
Part of the Oregon Main Street Network
We’re not doing this work alone. MSGP is officially part of the Oregon Main Street Network, a statewide program housed in Oregon Heritage (OPRD). That means:
Access to training, technical assistance, and peer learning with more than 100 Oregon communities.
Eligibility for the Oregon Main Street Revitalization Grant, which has leveraged over $7.6 million for historic preservation and downtown revitalization across the state. - Oregon Main Street Impact Report
Connection to the national Main Street America™ movement, a proven framework that has generated over $115 billion in local reinvestment nationwide. - Main Street Organization Funding Research
“Local leadership, statewide support, national impact.”
How You Can Get Involved
Be a Part of the Downtown Revival!
Whether you’re a business owner, a property owner, or a resident who loves Grants Pass, there are many ways to get involved:
Become a Member – Enjoy exclusive networking, marketing, and educational benefits.
Volunteer – Join our efforts in organizing events, beautification projects, and business support programs.
Sponsor an Initiative – Support the future of downtown by investing in community-driven projects.
Attend Our Events – Celebrate and connect with fellow community members at our downtown happenings.
By working together, we can transform downtown Grants Pass into a destination that thrives economically, culturally, and socially.
“Every $1 invested in Main Street returns $18 to the community.”)”
Contact us
Interested in working together? Fill out some info and we will be in touch shortly. We can’t wait to hear from you!