Washington State's Coordinating Program
Since 1984, the Washington State Main Street Program has been helping communities revitalize the economy, appearance, and image of their downtown commercial districts in Washington. In 2010 the Main Street Program was moved from the Department of Commerce to the Department of Archaeology & Historic Preservation. The program is managed (under contract) by the Washington Trust for Historic Preservation.
Main Street is a Movement
As a Main Street America™ Coordinating Program, Washington Main Street helps to lead a powerful, grassroots network consisting of over 40 Coordinating Programs and over 1,200 neighborhoods and communities across the country committed to creating high-quality places and to building stronger communities through preservation-based economic development.
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Main Street Approach
The Main Street Approach® is a unique preservation-based economic development tool that enables communities to revitalize downtown and neighborhood business districts by leveraging local assets – from historic, cultural, and architectural resources to local enterprises and community pride.
The success of the Main Street Approach® is based on its comprehensive nature. By carefully integrating four points (Design, Economic Vitality, Organization, and Promotion) into a practical downtown management strategy, a local Main Street program will produce fundamental changes in a community’s economic base. Learn more here:
Main Street is a Movement Main Street Resources
Governing Documents
Chapter 43.360 RCW – Establishing the WSMSP
Chapter 25-50 WAC – WSMSP Rules
Affiliate Services
Washington’s designated Main Street Communities and Affiliates are found in towns large and small, in all corners of the state. What binds them is their desire to create lasting change in their respective communities through implementation of the Main Street Approach.
Our Affiliate level in particular provides access to resources and networking opportunities for organizations that have an interest in revitalizing their downtown or neighborhood commercial district, but may not have the capacity at this time to meet the Washington State Main Street Community requirements. We provide a slate of on-demand services geared toward Affiliates in the Washington Main Street network. Affiliates are always encouraged to reach out with specific requests for support, but if your downtown revitalization team isn’t sure where to begin we suggest starting with our standard offerings. Click on the links below for more information on our Affiliate services and joining the WMS network.
Details on Affiliate Services Join the Network
Contact Us
Washington Main Street is here for you! Main Street Communities and partner organizations, please reach out to WMS Director Breanne Durham at 206-624-9449 or by email. Affiliates and start-up programs, please reach out to Main Street Specialist Jonelle McCoy at 509-202-4299 or by email. Get to know your Main Street team on our staff page.
Washington Main Street publishes a seasonal e-newsletter with success stories and resources relevant to established or fledgling Main Street programs. Check out the newsletter archive and sign up to receive the newsletter and other important updates from Washington Main Street: