The Montana Department of Commerce announced today that Broadus and Bozeman have been accepted as members of its Montana Main Street Program. Broadus joined the program at the end of 2023, and Bozeman in April of 2024.

“Downtowns are the heartbeat of Montana’s towns and cities, providing a hub for local businesses and social activities. Downtowns are also places where communities have an opportunity to thrive through sustainable economic growth,” said Paul Green, Director of the Montana Department of Commerce. “By becoming members of our Montana Main Street Program, Broadus and Bozeman can strengthen and preserve their historic downtown commercial districts by supporting economic development, urban revitalization and historic preservation through long-range planning and promotion.”

Membership in the Main Street Program provides communities with access to Main Street grant funding, technical assistance, community networking and resources offered through the national Main Street America program to revitalize and promote downtown commercial districts.

“It’s so impressive that our community, through many volunteers, can pull together to accomplish anything they put their minds to. Becoming a member of the Montana Main Street Program is just another example of how great our people are,” said Broadus Mayor Chad Gatlin. “It will serve as the first step in getting us to where so many have wanted to go. We look forward to renewed excitement, community pride and building a brighter Broadus.”

“Bozeman proudly announces its acceptance into the Montana Main Street Program, highlighting our dedication to collaborative efforts statewide. This milestone reflects a significant step forward in fostering partnerships and enhancing community beautification initiatives,” said Bozeman Mayor Terry Cunningham. “Through our participation in the program, Bozeman looks forward to elevating our city's unique appeal while contributing to the collective progress of communities across Montana.”

Established in 2005, the Montana Main Street Program, a National Main Street Center Coordinating Program, is part of a grassroots network of communities across the country committed to creating high-quality places and building stronger communities through historic preservation-based economic development. With the addition of Broadus and Bozeman, there are now 38 Montana Main Street communities.

For more information about the program, visit comdev.mt.gov & https://downtownbozeman.org/news/bozeman-joins-department-of-commerces-montana-main-street-program.