Mission: Auburn Main Street's mission is to collaborate with our community to be an economic driver by promoting, advancing, and preserving a vibrant historic downtown that is welcoming for all.

Vision: To have a vibrant and attractive downtown that is inclusive for all.

Purpose and Values Statement: Inclusion, collaboration, engagement, and intentionality are at the heart of Auburn Main Street's values, guiding our mission to foster a vibrant and connected community.

In late 2009, a group of concerned citizens met with City of Auburn officials to discuss the need for a coordinated approach to reverse the physical decline of the downtown business district which was threatened by the excessive and increasing number of vacant storefronts as business moved out of the downtown. The historic character of the area was being eroded as more buildings fell into disrepair. It was felt that, in particular, there was a need for a single body to take responsibility for downtown initiatives and “Main Street” type programs. Thus, the Auburn Development Advisory Committee was formed to begin the work of reversing the decline by undertaking activities that are focused on preserving Auburn as a healthy and economically vital center of commerce and social activity by promoting the preservation, rehabilitation and reuse of commercial, civic, residential and other buildings in the City. This committee of volunteers grew into the core of what would ultimately be incorporated, in 2011, as ADAC Inc. dba Auburn Main Street. In 2013, the IRS determined that ADAC Inc. dba Auburn Main Street is a public charity, exempt from income tax under section 501 (c)(3) of the tax code.

In 2015, we were selected to participate in HCI, Hometown Collaboration Initiative by OCRA. Auburn was able to utilize the HCI process to gain a better understanding of the community. One benefit of HCI is engaging a new group of community members in the local decision making process. Auburn was able to use HCI as a springboard to foster collaboration between existing organizations in Auburn. Additionally, Auburn values the opportunity to learn new tools to continue strategically planning community and economic development outcomes. This program was an 18 month program that experienced much success in both community participation and survey respondents.

In 2015, we were awarded an MSRP Grant Funding by OCRA. The Main Street Renovation Grant was requested to help remediate the streetscape of 6th and Main Street. The project required community fund matching to meet the requirements of the program. We were able to complete the project by 2017.

In 2019 our organization partnered with IHCDA and Patronicity for Creating Spaces grant matching funding for a crowdfunding campaign called “Color the Town”. This was a successful endeavor where we were able to complete a series of exterior building mural projects and purchased new banners for the downtown area. This project concluded in 2021 with the dedication of the Art District in the 6th and Main Street area.

In 2021 we were recognized by National Main Street as an affiliate member. As a Main Street America Affiliate™, Auburn Main Street is part of a national network of more than 1,200 neighborhoods and communities who share both a commitment to creating high-quality places and to building stronger communities through preservation-based economic development.

In 2022 we started our Junior Auburn Main Street program with Dekalb High School students. In 2023 the completed a CreatINg Spaces crowdfunding campaign with IHCDA and Patronicity to acquire 12 ADA compliant water fountains that will be added to 5 area parks.

In 2023, the Junior Auburn Main Street program has raised over $183,000 towork with Auburn Post 97 and Patrioniciy " My Community My Vison" to build the Dekalb County Veteran Memorial. 

In 2024, the Junior Auburn Main Street program is working with Patronicity Light Quicker Cheaper Challenge and Arts United "Amplify Art" to raise funds to Paint Community Crosswalks in an Community Effort.  

There is a desire to have more of a focus on preservation and historic commemoration and programing.  The City of Auburn was recently selected for the Hoosiers Enduring Legacy Program. This program was a competitive program where the City of Auburn was selected by the Office of Community and Rural Affairs. The funding will ultimately end with a matching $1M funds for a community driven legacy project from the American Rescue Funds Act money that was provided to our state and city. This is such an exciting opportunity for our community to work collaboratively on researching and ultimately selecting/determining Auburn's Legacy Project. The project has selected Memorial Park to be the site for the project and have developed currently a 2 phase project to be installed over the next over the next 12-24 months. In phase one the parks hardscapes will be completely updated, there will be over a mile of trails, and there will be a new pavilion with ADA compliant bathroom. The second phase will implement the playscapes and other features of the park.

A vibrant downtown helps define a community's identity and is often a source of community pride. That is why it is often referred to as the heart of a community. A vibrant downtown is a big component of quality of life and quality of place serving as a destination that offers employment opportunities, consumer opportunities, as well as social interaction and engagement. As economic development across the Midwest focuses on attracting new jobs, talent, homes, and new residents, quality of life and quality of place take center stage. We invite you to support your local Auburn Main Street organization, our annual sponsors understand that an attractive downtown is good for the community and good for business.