Q1 2026 Investor & Stakeholder Update

We're kicking off 2026 with fresh energy, exciting plans, and a continued commitment to making downtown Mason City a place where businesses thrive, people connect, and community pride shines!

While the first quarter is traditionally a quieter season for downtown events, there's been plenty happening behind the scenes. From advancing improvement projects and strengthening economic development partnerships to supporting small businesses and planning a full calendar of community experiences, Main Street Mason City is laying the groundwork for another impactful year.

One of the quarter's highlights was welcoming Main Street colleagues from across Iowa, along with representatives from Main Street America, to Mason City for the Main Street Iowa Spring Workshop! This gathering provided an incredible opportunity to connect with peers, exchange ideas, and participate in valuable training and professional development... all while showcasing the exciting things happening in our community. Attendees enjoyed a downtown tour highlighting the River City Riverwalk, Southbridge Mall & Theatre, Mason City Arena, and Bergo Properties. They also had time to explore downtown's unique shopping, dining, and historic attractions, experiencing firsthand what makes Mason City such a special destination.

Thanks to the dedication of our investors, volunteers, businesses, and community partners, we're building on the momentum of recent years and looking forward to all that's ahead.

By the Numbers: Q1 Highlights

• 2 New Businesses/Expansions
• 1 Building Project
• 1 Building Sold
• $462,000 Private Investment within the Downtown District
• $200,000 Public Investment within the Downtown District
• 145 volunteer hours contributed to Main Street Mason City initiatives
• $15,000 secured in program investments, reaching 60% of our $25,000 annual goal
• $7,350 secured in event sponsorships, reaching 22% of our $32,925 annual goal
• $57,925 combined fundraising goal established for 2026 program investments and event sponsorships
• 4 areas of focus guiding downtown revitalization: Design, Economic Vitality, Promotion, and Organization

Investing in Downtown's Appearance and Experience

Our Design Committee began the year focused on maintaining and enhancing the public spaces and amenities that make downtown Mason City special.

At the Climb 'n Crawl Indoor Playground, a community-driven project originally spearheaded by the committee in 2021, efforts are underway to assess needed repairs and maintenance to ensure this popular family attraction continues to serve residents and visitors.

Planning also advanced for the Central Park Bike Parking Project, with updated cost estimates and an application submitted to the T-Mobile Hometown Grant Program. underway to assess needed repairs and maintenance to ensure this popular family attraction continues to serve residents and visitors.

Work also continued on improvements to Central Park's electrical infrastructure and sound capabilities to better accommodate community events. Looking ahead to the holiday season, we're exploring opportunities to create a more immersive downtown lighting experience following the removal of the Mayor's Tree due to disease last fall. Early concepts envision connecting Central Park, the Federal Avenue Plaza, Southbridge Mall, the Riverwalk, and The Music Man Square through expanded holiday lighting and décor.

And with spring just around the corner, coordination is underway for our annual downtown flower pot program, bringing beautiful seasonal color to the district beginning in May.

Strengthening Downtown Economic Vitality

Supporting existing businesses, encouraging entrepreneurship, and attracting new investment remain central to Main Street Mason City's mission.

During the first quarter, efforts focused on refreshing our Economic Vitality Committee and strengthening collaboration with key regional economic development partners, including the North Iowa Corridor Economic Development Corporation and the John Pappajohn Entrepreneurial Center.

By bringing together individuals and organizations with complementary expertise and resources, we're building a stronger foundation for business retention, recruitment, and growth. The refreshed committee will begin identifying priorities and strategies to support downtown entrepreneurs, encourage investment, and strengthen the overall business environment.

Helping Downtown Businesses Succeed

Main Street Mason City offers more than special events. We're also committed to providing tools, resources, and promotional opportunities that help local businesses grow and thrive.

Throughout the first quarter, we worked to increase awareness of the marketing resources available through Main Street Mason City, including:

• Business Listings: Helping customers discover downtown shops, restaurants, services, and attractions through our website.
• Community Calendar: Promoting events and activities that bring people downtown.
• Downtown Job Board: Connecting local employers with potential employees.
• Available Properties: Showcasing downtown commercial spaces for sale or lease.
• Sponsorship & Investment Opportunities: Providing additional visibility and recognition for businesses supporting downtown revitalization.

We also continued welcoming new businesses to the district and celebrating milestone anniversaries, recognizing the entrepreneurs and business owners whose investments contribute to a vibrant downtown economy.

Planning a Year of Community Experiences

Behind every successful downtown event are months of planning, coordination, and collaboration.

Our Promotion Committee spent much of the first quarter preparing for the 2026 special event season, developing programming designed to bring residents and visitors downtown while creating opportunities for local businesses.

From live music and family-friendly activities to unique shopping and dining experiences, these events play an important role in strengthening community connections, showcasing downtown destinations, and encouraging local spending.

Building a Strong Foundation Through Community Investment

February marked the launch of our 2026 Investment and Event Sponsorship Campaign, with a combined fundraising goal of $57,925.

By the end of the first quarter, we had secured:

• $15,000 in program investments, representing 60% of our annual goal.
• $7,350 in event sponsorships, representing 22% of our annual goal.

These contributions provide critical support for the programs, events, and improvement projects that make downtown Mason City a welcoming and economically vibrant destination.

We're grateful to the businesses, organizations, and individuals who have already stepped forward to invest in our mission.

Planning is also underway for our FY2025 Annual Meeting on April 28th, when we'll gather to celebrate accomplishments, recognize outstanding businesses and volunteers, and share our vision for the year ahead.

Looking Ahead

With a strong start to 2026, we're excited to turn plans into action in the months ahead.

From colorful spring streetscapes and infrastructure improvements to business development initiatives and an exciting lineup of downtown events, there's plenty to look forward to.

Our work across the four pillars of Main Street - Design, Economic Vitality, Promotion, and Organization - remains focused on one shared goal: building a stronger, more vibrant downtown Mason City for everyone.

Thank You for Investing in Downtown Mason City!

Every improvement project, business promotion, community event, and new partnership is made possible by people who believe in downtown Mason City.

Your investment helps us maintain welcoming public spaces, support local entrepreneurs, create memorable experiences, and strengthen the economic vitality of our community.

Thank you for your continued partnership and support of Main Street Mason City. We're proud of what we've accomplished together and excited about the opportunities ahead.

Together, we're making a difference in downtown Mason City!