Four Montana Communities Join State’s Main Street Revitalization Program
Big Timber, Fort Benton, Wibaux and Winnett gain access to grants and technical assistance for downtown development

By Staff Writer
Jun 13, 2025
HELENA — The Montana Department of Commerce announced Tuesday that four communities have been accepted into the Montana Main Street Program, expanding the state’s downtown revitalization initiative to 39 participating towns.
Big Timber, Fort Benton, Wibaux and Winnett will now have access to Main Street grant funding, technical assistance, community networking and resources through the program’s partnership with the national Main Street America Program.
“The MMS Program will help these new members strengthen and preserve their historic downtowns through economic development support, planning downtown revitalization and historic preservation, organization, design and promotion,” said Montana Department of Commerce Acting Director Mandy Rambo.
Program Impact and Success Stories
The Montana Main Street Program’s effectiveness is demonstrated through success stories like Glasgow, which will host the 2026 Montana Downtown and Main Street Conference.
“Perhaps no program has had a greater impact on Glasgow than the MMS Program,” said Shyanne Wallace, Executive Director of Two Rivers Economic Growth. “This program has been invaluable, providing both funding and technical assistance that have helped us develop a strong foundation for sustainable growth. I cannot stress enough how essential this program is, not just for Glasgow, but for communities across Montana working to keep their main streets alive and thriving.”
About the Program
Established in 2005, the Montana Main Street Program operates as a National Main Street Center Coordinating Program, connecting participating communities to a grassroots network of towns across the country. The program focuses on creating high-quality places and building stronger communities through historic preservation-based economic development.
The program provides comprehensive support including:
- Grant funding opportunities
- Technical assistance for downtown planning
- Community networking resources
- Historic preservation guidance
- Economic development support
With the addition of these four communities, Montana now has 39 active Main Street Program members working to revitalize their downtown areas and strengthen local economies through strategic historic preservation and community development initiatives.
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