MONROE — Since about 2005, Monroe has been listed as an official “Main Street” community in the state. But what does that mean?

During a recent meeting of the Monroe Common Council officials got a crash course in the non-profit Main Street organization’s efforts here by the man, Jordan Nordby, who has helmed about half of those efforts.

Mayor Donna Douglas, City Administrator Brittney Rindy and others on the council praised Main Street for vigorously promoting downtown; and Nordby specifically for his lengthy service to the organization and community.

The local group’s mission — there are 35 local chapters of “Main Street” in Wisconsin — is to “improve the quality of life for all Monroe residents by ensuring economic stability, maintaining historic integrity and making Monroe’s downtown the focal point of the community.”

And it does its work — fueled by grants, contributions, and other fundraising — by planning, organizing, and staffing with volunteers 26 “event days” per year and 56 farmer’s market events. Among the many major events headed by the organization are the recent Wine Walk downtown and the eponymous Concerts on the Square series in the summer. This year’s musical lineup includes The Jimmy’s, Foo Foo Dolls, The Rhythm Kings, and the ever-popular ‘Boy Band Night” party.

“Aside from Cheese Days, if something is happening downtown, Main Street is the one who is organizing it,” said Nordby. “The goal…is to bring people downtown.”

Among its recent endeavors is one officials and business owners agree will have a major impact downtown: Construction of the so-called “pocket park,” a community space in a vacant lot downtown, replete with heated public restrooms. Those restrooms are a big deal for downtown patrons, they agree, and the vibrant public space on an otherwise vacant lot is a breath of fresh air for visitors and residents alike.

Main Street also helps operate a city special Business Improvement District (or BID) downtown.

Overall, Douglas described Main Street Monroe as “very successful” and a “reason that we can stand proud.” 

Monroe Main Street’s 14th annual summer theme is “Summerween,” which is described as “slightly spooky. Slightly tropical. A whole lot of fun.” That effort will showcase 18 public art pieces throughout the season, coming sometime in May.

Nordby said statistics show that his group’s efforts and the many specific events it creates and sponsors do make an impact on the continued viability of Monroe’s historic downtown. But Nordby also is quick to say none of it ever gets done without partner organizations in the community — including the city, county, the local chamber, Green County Development Corp. — and the roughly 120 volunteers who work to make Main Street happen.

As for his long tenure at the helm of Main Street, and the many relationships he’s made along the way, Nordby is circumspect about his time downtown.

“Every year I get more proud of that fact,” he told the council.