By Fox23.com News Staff
TULSA, Okla. — Tulsa Global District was named as a semifinalist for the 2026 Great American Main Street Award.
Main Street America said each year, a national jury of industry professionals and local leaders review the applications of standout Main Street programs seeking the Great American Main Street Award (GAMSA), the organization’s award for excellence in fostering preservation-based revitalization efforts through the Main Street Approach.
Receiving the award is a significant achievement in the Main Street Movement, Main Street America said.
Since the award’s establishment in 1995, only 115 of over 2000 Main Street programs have been acknowledge as GAMSA-winning communities.
Main Street America said programs create multi-year plans to develop a strong application based on outcomes that have made meaningful impacts in their local communities.
Organizations are familiar with the selection criteria, strength of the program in spurring community transformation, commitment to historic preservation, innovation programming, implementation of cross-sector partnerships, community outreach and stakeholder engagement and ensuring their downtown districts are for everyone, and build towards this opportunity to be recognized.
The following eight organizations, including the Tulsa Global District, have been selected as semifinalists for the award:
- Astoria Downtown Historic District Association – Astoria, Oregon
- Main Street Farmington – Farmington, Oakland County, Michigan
- Tulsa Global District – Tulsa, Oklahoma
- Downtown Wytheville Inc. – Whtheville, Virginia
- Main Street Steamboat Springs – Steamboat Springs, Colorado
- Downtown San Marcos – San Marcos, Texas
- Downtown Sykesville Connection – Sykesville, Maryland
- Columbia Main Street – Columbia, Tennessee
Collectively, the 2026 semifinalists have generated over $329 million in local reinvestment, helped open over 650 new businesses, facilitated the creation of more than 3,630 new jobs, catalyzed the rehabilitation of 1,942 historic buildings and leveraged 241,946 volunteer hours.
Main Street America said the Tulsa Global District has revitalized an historically underinvested area into one of Oklahoma’s most vibrant and entrepreneurial neighborhoods.
Home to significant Hispanic and Asian American and Pacific Islander populations, with residents and business owners representing more than 25 countries and 80 languages, the Main Street America said the district’s greatest asset is its people.
Through culturally informed outreach, strategic partnerships and signature events like the Asian American Night Market, Hispanic Heritage Day and Día de Muertos, Tulsa Global District has united the multilingual community around shared goals and civic pride.
Tulsa Global District led initiatives like ConnectLocal and Grow Global have helped local small businesses strengthen their digital presence.
Facade improvement grants and strategic corridor planning have revitalized storefront and enhanced walkability.
Main Street America said these efforts, rooted and informed through diverse community input, has addressed both economic and social needs, exemplifying Tulsa Global District’s strategic, inclusive approach to ensuring that progress benefits businesses and residents alike.
The Main Street America award conference will be held during the opening plenary of the 2026 Main Street Now Conference on April 13 in Tulsa.
You can find more information on Main Street America by clicking here and the Tulsa Global District here.
