Community-Led. Future-Focused.
About the State Center Development Association (SCDA)
The State Center Development Association (SCDA) is a nonprofit, volunteer-driven organization dedicated to the growth, preservation, and vitality of State Center’s historic downtown and business community. As an accredited Main Street America and Main Street Iowa community, SCDA follows a nationally recognized framework that blends economic development with historic preservation to create a vibrant, resilient town center.
Our mission is simple but powerful:
To preserve what makes State Center special, while creating new opportunities for those who call it home.
WHAT WE DO
Using the Main Street Four-Point Approach®—Economic Vitality, Design, Promotion, and Organization—SCDA works to:
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Support Local Businesses: We assist new and existing businesses by fostering a strong local economy, encouraging entrepreneurship, and promoting small business success.
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Preserve Historic Assets: From Watson’s Grocery to the 1880 Train Depot, we help protect the buildings and stories that give State Center its unique charm.
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Host Events That Bring People Together: From the beloved Rose Festival to seasonal events and promotional campaigns, we create moments that strengthen community bonds and draw visitors downtown.
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Encourage Community Involvement: Volunteers are the heartbeat of everything we do. Whether you're serving on a committee, helping at an event, or offering a fresh perspective, your voice matters.
Why it matters
Vibrant downtowns don’t happen by accident. They’re the result of dedication, shared vision, and sustained local investment. SCDA ensures that State Center continues to be a place where history is honored, businesses thrive, and community comes first.
GET INVOLVED
Whether you want to volunteer, become a member, or support our efforts with a donation, there’s a place for you in this work.
Help us keep State Center a place we’re proud to call “the Center of it All.”
Community Projects
The State Center Development Association leads and supports a variety of community projects focused on historic preservation, downtown beautification, small business support, and tourism enhancement. From maintaining landmarks like Watson’s Grocery and the 1880 Train Depot to organizing events and improving public spaces, these initiatives reflect our commitment to preserving the charm of State Center while building a vibrant, forward-thinking future. Community involvement is key—volunteers, donors, and local partners all play a vital role in bringing these projects to life.
Volunteer Opportunities
Volunteers are the heart of the State Center Development Association. Whether you're interested in planning events, supporting local businesses, preserving historic sites, or beautifying downtown, there’s a meaningful way to get involved. Your time and talents help us keep State Center vibrant, welcoming, and full of community pride.
Partnerships & Affiliations
Working Together for Greater Impact
SCDA is proud to be a nationally recognized Main Street America community and an active partner of Main Street Iowa. We also collaborate with local government, business leaders, civic groups, and passionate residents to turn shared goals into real, lasting change.
Our Vision
We envision a thriving State Center where history, innovation, and community come together to create lasting opportunity. Through strategic development, preservation, and inclusive engagement, SCDA is working to ensure our downtown remains a source of pride for generations to come.
OUR MISSION
Preserving Our Past. Shaping Our Future. Strengthening Our Community.
At the State Center Development Association (SCDA), our mission is to foster a vibrant, resilient, and welcoming community by preserving the historic character of downtown State Center, supporting small business growth, and promoting local engagement through volunteerism and shared pride.
We believe that thriving communities are built on strong connections—between neighbors, between generations, and between the past and the future. Through thoughtful planning, dedicated leadership, and inclusive opportunities for involvement, SCDA works to ensure that State Center remains a place where:
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History is honored and preserved
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Local businesses are supported and celebrated
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Events bring people together
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Volunteers feel empowered to make a difference
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Everyone feels proud to live, work, or visit
Our mission reflects more than a list of goals—it’s a commitment to the people of State Center and the generations yet to come.
Together, we are keeping our town at the center of opportunity, identity, and community spirit.
CONTACT US
110 W Main St, State Center, IA 50247