The Main Street program is designed to bring new life and activity to our downtown. To help make what we do as effective as possible, we delegate different parts of our effort to people who are most enthusiastic about different kinds of work, and foster collaboration between volunteers, merchants, city staff, partner organizations, financial supporters, and community leaders. Volunteers are a key element in our successful Main Street program. We believe that each volunteer contributes directly to the growth and success of Main Street Ottumwa, and we hope you will take pride in being a member of our team. Without you, we cannot succeed in growing our downtown and radiating energy outward. 

​There are many ways to join ongoing efforts to strengthen the fabric of our community. In fact, each year, community-minded volunteers contribute thousands of hours to help plan events, complete projects, plant flowers, provide general maintenance and so much more. There are plenty of ways to get involved. You can join one of our five standing committees, or simply volunteer to lend a hand at one of our events. 

Main Street Ottumwa is a non-profit, volunteer driven organization who works to maintain and enhance our downtown city center through historic renovations, economic development, and community engagement. We are not able to host events and do many of our projects without amazing volunteers. Volunteers are the heart and soul of our organization and we are forever grateful for the time and effort you commit to making the events happen and our downtown even better!