In the 1960s and '70s Dubuque, like many cities across the country, experienced a polarization of its retail trade from downtown to new development on its west side. This shift led to a dramatic demise of downtown with first floor vacancy levels reaching 55% and a loss of anchor department stores.

Realizing that property owners, business owners and the City needed to work together; a coordinating committee was formed in 1984. Community leaders agreed the Main Street program would act as a timely catalyst for economic development and downtown revitalization for Dubuque

In 1985, Dubuque was chosen by the National Trust's Demonstration Program to be one of seven pilot cities for the Urban Main Street program. Following the program step by step, Dubuque Main Street has provided structure and unity to a downtown composed of many separate parts. After 22 years of success, downtown Dubuque, the longest standing urban program, has seen a dramatic renaissance, leading the state of Iowa in Main Street investment.