The Rock Springs Main Street/Urban Renewal Agency (URA) is thrilled to announce that nominations are now open for the annual Downtown First Awards!

For more than a decade, the Downtown First Awards have recognized businesses, organizations, and individuals who put Downtown first through their dedication, advocacy, and contributions. We invite the community to submit nominations for those who have made a meaningful impact on Downtown Rock Springs.

New this year, the program has been expanded to include Historic Preservation Awards as well as the Mayor’s Arts Award, recognizing the importance of preserving our past while celebrating the arts and culture that continue to shape our community today.

An independent selection committee will review nominations and select winners in each award category. Winners will be announced and honored at the annual Downtown First Awards Ceremony and Volunteer Recognition Event.

Nominated businesses, merchants, or organizations must be located within the Downtown Rock Springs focus area, and nominated individuals must live, work, or volunteer within the focus area.

Downtown First Award Categories:

• Outstanding Downtown Business
  Presented to a business located within the Downtown Rock Springs focus area.
• Spirit of Downtown Award
  Presented to a business, organization, or individual who exemplifies Downtown through their actions.
• Outstanding New Business/Merchant (opened in 2025)
  Presented to a business or merchant located within the Downtown Rock Springs focus area that has opened or relocated to the district within the past year.
• Better Rock Springs Beautification Award
  Presented to a business or property owner within the Downtown Rock Springs focus area who has made improvements to their property or contributed to the beautification of Downtown.
• Outstanding Individual (within a Company or Organization)
  Presented to an individual who, as a representative of their company or organization, enhances the Downtown experience.
• Outstanding Volunteer
  Presented to an individual or group whose volunteerism enhances the Downtown Rock Springs experience.

New Historic Preservation Awards:

• Cultural Heritage Award
  Celebrate contributions to preserving and promoting the cultural heritage of Rock Springs and the surrounding area.
• Private Residence Award
  Recognize outstanding rehabilitation, restoration, or adaptive reuse of a historic residence. Residences may also be tied to individuals significant to the history of Rock Springs.
• Nonresidential Award
  Recognize outstanding rehabilitation, restoration, or adaptive reuse of a commercial or nonresidential property.

Mayor’s Arts Award:

• Mayor’s Arts Award
  Recognizes an individual, organization, or business that has made significant contributions to arts and culture in Rock Springs, helping to strengthen creative opportunities and enhance the community’s cultural vibrancy.

Nomination forms are available here

Forms are also available in person at the Rock Springs Main Street/URA office, 603 S Main Street. The office can be reached at 307-352-1434.

Nominations are due by APRIL 22, 2026