In November 2017, City Center Mankato became the eighth designated Main Street Community in Minnesota, joining Faribault, New Ulm, Owatonna, Red Wing, Shakopee, Willmar and Winona in gaining the designation.
Designated Minnesota Main Street communities must demonstrate broad community support, employ paid staff, and meet nationally defined standards. The City Center Partnership, representing the City Centers of Mankato and North Mankato, fulfills these requirements and has committed to incorporating the National Trust’s Main Street Four Point Approach® into its work: improving physical appearance and atmosphere of the downtown commercial district, increasing marketing and events that promote the district and local businesses, expanding the economic base, and building collaborative partnerships and resources.