Following a review by the Iowa Department of Economic Development, Downtown Partners has again been accredited as Burlington's Main Street program.  The annual visit was conducted by Thom Guzman, Director of the Iowa Downtown Resource Center.  It included a review of documentation, meetings with board members, committees, and public officials, and a walking tour.

Main Street, a program developed by the National Trust for Historic Preservation, uses a four point approach involving Organization, Design, Promotion, and Economic Restructuring to revitalize downtowns.  Burlington has been a Main Street community since 1986. 

During the review's wrap up session, Guzman highlighted a number of positive developments in downtown, including the Heritage Center and Art Guild, the Methodist church plan to rebuild, newly painted benches and a mural, a growing restaurant cluster, and building renovations.  He complimented Downtown Partners on its good working relationship with City Hall.

Guzman has visited Burlington on many occasions during his 22 years at IDED.  In that time, Burlington’s downtown has experienced remarkable progress.  "The biggest change I’ve seen over the years see is attitudinal," he said.  "Pessimism has been replaced by optimism.  The organization’s attitude is, 'We have a lot yet to do, but we’ve got a lot done, and we’re not looking back'."

Downtown Burlington saw a net increase of eight businesses, 59 full time jobs, and 25 part time jobs in 2009.  "Last year was a good year for downtown Burlington in a tough economic time," noted Guzman.  "You should step back and reflect on how you’ve grown."