Oklahoma Main Street Incentive Program

Oklahoma Main Street Incentive Program is sponsored by Oklahoma Department of Commerce. This program encourages investment in public infrastructure projects that enhance the quality of life in certified Main Street communities. It supports historic preservation and downtown revitalization efforts.

Oklahoma Main Street - Oklahoma Department of Commerce The opportunity to make a difference. For more than 40 years, Oklahoma’s Main Street program has been pumping new life back into the heart of communities across the state. Historic preservation, downtown revitalization efforts and powerful economic stimulation combine to restore the core assets of communities and enhance the quality of life for Oklahomans.

Download the Main Street Brochure Since 1986, Oklahoma Main Street programs have generated more than $2. 2 billion in total public and private reinvestment, created 21,600 new jobs and helped in the development of nearly 9,000 new or expanded small businesses. Watch the About Main Street video The Main Street program encourages economic development in Oklahoma communities and neighborhood districts statewide.

By refocusing efforts to bring vibrancy back to a commercial district, your local program can find the self-reliance and empowerment it needs to rebuild a commercial district and increase the quality of life for residents. Launch the Main Street Map Main Street directors from across the state share how the program has positively impacted their communities.

Watch videos from Main Street Directors Resources for Communities Oklahoma Main Street provides training, resources and technical assistance for preservation-based historic commercial district revitalization.

Brows the Main Street Resource Center Main Street Incentive Program The Oklahoma Main Street Incentive Program encourages investment, construction and development of Main Streets in Oklahoma, focusing on efforts to sustain or restore vibrancy in commercial districts.

These developments will enhance the cultural, recreational, scenic and/or quality of life in participating Main Street communities, attracting more visitors and generating additional sales taxes for the state and local communities.

Applications open September 1, 2026 and close September 30, 2026 Download the Main Street Incentive Brochure Review the Main Street Incentive Guide Review the Agreement for Potential Participation The Main Street Four-Point Approach™ is tailored to meet the needs and opportunities of each local program.

It encompasses work in four distinct areas – Design, Economic Vitality, Promotion, and Organization – that are combined to address all of the commercial district’s needs. Every Main Street wants to make a good first impression. By capitalizing on your best assets and creating an inviting atmosphere through window displays, building improvements, signs, landscaping and more, you’ll showcase what your district has to offer.

Marketing is a vital component of a successful commercial district. Advertising, retail promotional activity, special events, and marketing campaigns can improve consumer and investor confidence and encourage commercial activity and investment in the district.

By diversifying your district’s economic base and converting unused or underused commercial space into productive space, your historic core can strengthen its assets and boost the profitability of the district. The right organizational structure is critical to creating a vibrant Main Street program. By bringing together human and financial resources, your program set itself up for success.

Learn more about the Oklahoma Main Street Center and how following the Main Street Four-Point Approach™ can bring change and growth to your community. Download the Main Street Brochure Interested in becoming a Main Street program? Find out more about the Main Street Program Annual Main Street Awards Recognizing Community Achievement Each year we host an awards banquet to acknowledge the accomplishments of local Main Street programs.

Through 25 categories, we recognize outstanding volunteers, businesses and improvements in local historic commercial districts throughout Oklahoma. Learn more about the Main Street Awards Buffy Hughes, Oklahoma Main Street Center Director, hosted Oklahoma Department of Commerce Leadership, Heather Turner (standing) and John Budd (second from right) for the evening.

Maci Graves, Ponca City, was presented with the 2025 Watonga Bob Shoemaker award for Main Street Program Director of the Year. Main Street of Perry won top honors as the 2025 Main Street Program of the Year. Randy McFarlin of Ada received the 2025 Oklahoma Main Street Legacy Award for his efforts spent working to revitalize Oklahoma.

Main Street programs from across the state enjoying the 35th Annual Banquet in OKC. Heather Turner, Oklahoma Department of Commerce Deputy CEO and Executive Director of CORE, delivered an update on the statewide Main Street Incentive Program. John Budd, Oklahoma Department of Commerce CEO delivered the evening’s keynote address.

In private dollars invested In public dollars invested In private dollars invested In public dollars invested Business Openings, Relocations & Expansions Business Openings, Relocations & Expansions Let us know how we can help. State Main Street Director Tamara promotes economic development in Oklahoma’s Main Street communities.

In her role, she builds relationships by working with community and business leaders to discover untapped assets, grow partnerships and plan and execute events that promote the best our Main Streets have to offer. Economic Vitality Specialist Anna promotes economic development as the key driver of technology, tourism and efficiency.

Anna keeps abreast of all things that help to simplify processes, keep projects in motion and communication lines open between communities, partnerships and visitors. Karla serves as the liaison, and point of contact for, the Oklahoma Route 66 Commission as well as the steward of the Oklahoma Route 66 grant applications and awards.

She monitor projects, deadlines and finances to ensure successful completion of these grant-related projects and other Main Street related grant opportunities. Oklahoma Rt. 66 Grant Coordinator Thank you for visiting the Oklahoma Department of Commerce.

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