OPRD release - Salem - Main Street America has announced Astoria Downtown Historic District Association (ADHDA) as a 2027 Great American Main Street Award (GAMSA) semifinalist. This prestigious award is the nation’s top award recognizing communities for their excellence in comprehensive preservation-based commercial district revitalization.  A jury of professionals and leaders in the fields of community and economic development and historic preservation convened to review a nationwide pool of applicants. After thoughtful deliberation, the jury unanimously selected eight semifinalists that demonstrate exemplary use of the Main Street Approach™ to lead community-based transformation strategies in their downtowns.  The 2027 Great American Main Street Award semifinalists are:  Center City of Amarillo, Inc. – Amarillo, Texas; Astoria Downtown Historic District Association – Astoria, Oregon; Downtown Excelsior Partnership, Inc. – Excelsior Springs, Missouri; Connect Downtown Johnson City – Johnson City, Tennessee; Village of Lake Orion DDA – Lake Orion, Oakland County, Michigan; Montpelier Alive – Montpelier, Vermont; Mainstreet Oceanside – Oceanside, California; Sapulpa Main Street – Sapulpa, Oklahoma.  “The 2027 Great American Main Street Award Semifinalists are proud examples of the deep and lasting impact that Main Street programs can have on communities,” said Main Street America President and CEO Erin Barnes. “From reimagining after decline to rebuilding after natural disasters, these communities demonstrate the power of resilience, vision, and meaningful community engagement.”  Collectively, the 2027 GAMSA semifinalists have generated over $2.1 billion in local reinvestment, helped open 1,271 net new businesses, facilitated the creation of 7,607 net new jobs, catalyzed the rehabilitation of 2,411 historic buildings, and leveraged 252,493  volunteer hours.  Competing for the Great American Main Street Award is a significant achievement in the Main Street Movement, and receiving the award is an esteemed honor. Since its establishment in 1995, only 118 of over 2000 Main Street programs have been acknowledged as GAMSA-winning communities.  "Being a semifinalist for the Great American Main Street Award is an enormous honor," says ADHDA Executive Director Quinn Haase. "Being named a semifinalist two years in a row now just speaks to the commitment the community of Astoria has made towards a preservation-based approach to revitalization. The work itself is the reward, but it is reaffirming to know that our efforts do not go unnoticed."  ADHDA is a member of the Oregon Main Street (OMS) Network, the state coordinating program of Main Street America that supports communities in preserving and enhancing their historic downtowns. As one of Oregon’s longest‑serving Main Street organizations, ADHDA has become a model for place-based revitalization that strengthens local economies and honors authentic heritage.  “We are incredibly proud of ADHDA’s leadership in preservation‑based revitalization," says Oregon Main Street Coordinator Ami Keiffer. “Their dedication to community engagement and strengthening Astoria’s historic downtown exemplifies the best of the Main Street spirit. Being named a semifinalist reflects the hard work, collaboration, and creativity happening in Astoria every day, and Oregon Main Street is excited to support and celebrate them in this national spotlight.”  The 2027 Great American Main Street Award ceremony will be held at the opening plenary of the 2027 Main Street Now Conference in Detroit, Michigan, on May 3, 2027, where three semifinalists will be recognized as recipients of the coveted honor.