Downtown Racine Honored with Gold Main Street Recognition from WEDC

Recognition of Excellence in Downtown Development

Racine has taken a significant step forward in its efforts to revitalize and enhance its downtown area. The Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation (WEDC) has officially recognized the Downtown Racine Corporation (DRC) as a Gold Tier Main Street organization for fiscal year 2026. This prestigious designation places the DRC among only 10 of the state’s 37 designated Main Street programs, highlighting its commitment to excellence in community development.

The Gold Tier status is reserved for communities that go above and beyond program requirements in areas such as organizational effectiveness, community engagement, and downtown revitalization. As a result, Downtown Racine will now have access to expanded services, resources, and advocacy support that can further strengthen business growth and development initiatives.

A Testament to Hard Work and Vision

Kelly Kruse, the executive director of the DRC, expressed her pride in the achievement. “Earning Gold Tier status is a tremendous honor and reflects the hard work, creativity, and passion of our team, board, and community partners,” she said. “From award-winning events to strategic beautification projects, our efforts are focused on making downtown Racine a vibrant destination where businesses thrive, and visitors feel welcome.”

This recognition is not just about the accolades—it's a reflection of the tangible progress being made in the heart of Racine. The DRC has consistently worked to create an environment that supports local businesses, engages residents, and attracts visitors from across the region.

Milestones Achieved by the DRC

Over the past few years, the DRC has achieved several milestones that have contributed to its success:

• Winning First Place for Best Retail Event with its popular First Fridays program.
• Winning First Place for Best Marketing Campaign with the I Love Racine initiative.
• Hosting over 80 programmed events annually, drawing thousands of visitors downtown.
• Launching beautification projects such as new summer and holiday banners, a new downtown holiday tree, and updated wreaths.
• Offering business training in key areas like merchandising, marketing, and destination-building.
• Supporting public art, placemaking projects, and collaborations that strengthen the downtown economy.

These accomplishments demonstrate the DRC’s dedication to creating a dynamic and welcoming downtown space.

Commitment to Community Growth

Austin Schultz, chair of the DRC board of directors, emphasized the importance of the Gold Tier recognition. “This validates the work we’ve been doing to elevate downtown Racine. From impactful events to ongoing improvements, we’re committed to creating a downtown that not only serves our community but also stands out as one of Wisconsin’s premier destinations.”

The DRC continues to play a vital role in promoting economic, social, and cultural diversity in Racine. Through its efforts, it stimulates business development, organizes community events, and markets the city to residents, developers, and visitors alike.

Statewide Support and Resources

The Wisconsin Main Street Program, which was launched in 1987, provides essential resources and training to help communities improve and sustain their downtown districts. Participation in the program offers more than $15,000 annually in technical assistance, marketing support, event analysis, and strategic planning from WEDC.

For Racine, this means access to valuable services such as property renderings, business consulting, and economic impact studies. These tools are designed to foster a thriving and sustainable downtown environment.

About the Downtown Racine Corporation

As a nonprofit organization, the DRC is dedicated to enhancing the quality of life in Racine through various initiatives. It works closely with local stakeholders to promote economic growth, cultural enrichment, and community engagement.

Those interested in learning more about the DRC can visit racinedowntown.com. For information about the Wisconsin Main Street Program, readers can explore wedc.org.

Local News and Community Engagement

Local news plays a crucial role in keeping communities informed and connected. The Racine County Eye serves as a vital source of information for residents, offering updates on local events, issues, and developments. Subscribers can stay up-to-date with the latest news and engage with the community through platforms like Facebook.

Journalism that serves the community remains a priority, ensuring that every voice is heard and every story is told.