On May 18, 2009 Ames was announced as a new Main Street Iowa community.  A meeting was held on Friday, June 12 introducing the Main Street Iowa program to the Main Street Cultural District Board and members and the general public.  The first step toward downtown revitalization will be a visioning meeting to be held the evening of June 24.  The public is invited to participate.  Exact time and place to be announced.  Ames will be host to the Iowa Downtown Summit held on August 25 and 26.