2023 Governor's Main Street Awards
Nominations for the 2023 Governor’s Main Street Awards is now closed!
These awards celebrate communities and organizations in North Dakota that exemplify the principles of the Main Street Initiative (MSI) by enhancing the quality of life for residents.
The Main Street Initiative (MSI) Vibrancy Grant Program, a proud supporter of these awards, will grant winners a $500 reimbursable vibrancy grant to fuel local projects that inspire community vibrancy.
2023 MSI Award Categories
Main Street Excellence Award: Two awards (one rural, one urban) are given to recognize communities OR “Community Champions” within that community whose efforts embody all four pillars of the Main Street Initiative: Smart, Efficient Infrastructure; 21st Century Workforce; Economic Diversification, and Healthy, Vibrant Communities.
21st Century Workforce Award: Two awards for community or business (one rural, one urban) are given in this category to recognize excellence in workforce. This includes demonstrating workforce attraction and retention through the implementation of a strategy that encourages people to move to and stay in your community OR through efforts to engage students in leadership development or workforce exploration.
Healthy, Vibrant Community Award: This award recognizes a community or group that have made investments in projects that enhance the health and vibrancy of communities. This award emphasizes efforts to engage and empower people of all ages and abilities, helping North Dakota improve its health, economy, and connectivity.
Smart, Efficient Infrastructure Award: This award recognizes a community that has made sound planning decisions by investing in spaces with existing or has effectively engaged the community in developing plans to do so. Nominated projects should infuse existing infrastructure with new and innovative ideas to ensure efficient use of public resources.
Economic Diversification Award: This award recognizes a community or organization that have contributed to community resiliency by finding its unique strength, community asset or niche while using it to attract business, workforce, visitors or enhance resident’s quality of life. Nominated responses should acknowledge innovative ways the community used to strengthen connections, diversify local businesses, or build local morale.
Future Leaders Empowerment Award: This award recognizes a community or a person that seeks to engage students in creating a healthy, vibrant community through leadership development, community planning or workforce exploration in community industries. This award is eligible for all ages and youth leaders are encouraged to apply or be recognized.
Contact Maria Effertz at meffertz@nd.gov with any questions!
2022 Award Winners:
Healthy, Vibrant Community Award
- Hettinger Chamber of Commerce: Tuesday Night Lights event
- Fredrick Edwards Jr: Fargo Juneteenth Celebration
21st Century Workforce Award
- Jamestown Stutsman County: Internship Reimbursement Program
Main Street Excellence Award
- Hankinson: Arnold Althoff Amphitheater
- Mandan: Main Street
Smart, Efficient Infrastructure Award
Economic Diversification
- Pembina, Walsh, Nelson and Grand Forks Counties: Destination Red River Project
Future Leaders Empowerment Award
- Watford City: Watford City High School Ambassadors Program
2021 Award Winners:
Healthy, Vibrant Community Award
- Milnor: Health, Happy Community
21st Century Workforce Award
- Devils Lake: 20x20 Workforce Recruitment & Retention Program
- Grand Forks: Greater Grand Forks Relocation Guide & What's Cooler Today Blog
Main Street Excellence Award
- Bottineau: Downtown, Beautification, Infrastructure, Vibrancy, Workforce Attraction
- Bowman County: Main Street Garden, Mainspace, Festival of Lights
Smart, Efficient Infrastructure Award
- Hettinger: The Rural Collective
ND Legendary Heritage Award
- Lisbon: Sandager Park Pavilion
2020 Award Winners:
21st Century Workforce Award
- Makewell Skills Camp
- Rugby Student Loan Repayment Program
Arts and Culture Award
- Willison Electric Boxes
- New Rockford Summer Street Market
Innovations in Community Resiliency Award
- Cavalier Stimulus
Legendary Heritage Award
- Maddock Opera House
Main Street Excellence Award
- Devils Lake (Urban)
- Forman (Rural)
Smart, Efficient Infrastructure Award
- Milnor Grocery Store
2019 Award Winners:
Arts and Culture Award - Jamestown
Differentiator Award: Fargo
Future Leaders Empowerment Award: Beach
Legendary Heritage Award: Mandan
Legendary Young Leader – Sandra Larson from Sheyenne and Baleigh Ripplinger from McClusky
Livability for All Ages Award: BPRD and Main Street GF: Longest Table
Main Street Excellence Award: West Fargo and Milnor
Revitalizer Award: Cavalier
Vibrancy Award: Hettinger
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