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ABOUT ELLENSBURG'S
DOWNTOWN ASSOCIATION

Empowering and preserve community by amplifying our economy and creating a sense of place for all
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Formed in 2004, The Ellensburg Downtown Association (EDA) is an award winning Washington State designated and nationally accredited Main Street program. The Ellensburg Downtown Association is a 501(c)3 non-profit organization that believes implicitly in the value of each individual’s contribution, whether it be financial contributions, great ideas or hours spent volunteering.

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We advocate by working to fill our empty storefronts, provide support to our new & established businesses, collect data, and work with the Washington Main Street Program to enhance and strengthen Ellensburg. We are passionate about doing beautification projects, improving the aesthetic of Ellensburg's Main St, historical preservation efforts, and drawing in more foot traffic to sustain Ellensburg and all of our local businesses within Downtown. 

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The EDA has been a key partner in the revitalization of historic Downtown Ellensburg by following the National Main Street Center’s 4-Point Approach. The 4-Point Approach is a comprehensive community based approach to community revitalization that emphasizes efforts in each of the four points – design, promotion, economic vitality and outreach. There points are reflected in our yearly work plans.

Four-Point Main Street Approach

DESIGN

The EDA works to create a safe, clean, walkable downtown. In partnership with the City of Ellensburg, the organization manages downtown street furniture including planters, benches, trashcans, and bike racks. The EDA also manages the roof line lighting. The EDA hosts Downtown Clean Up every spring in partnership with Central Washington University and Ellensburg Rotary clubs.

OUTREACH

The EDA strives to have a well-managed organization that fundraises effectively, runs programs concurrently, expands partnerships regularly, and welcomes volunteers with enthusiasm. The EDA is managed by a 12 person Board of Directors, manages 4 working committees, and is maintained by an Executive Director, PR Coordinator, and Administrative Assistant.

PROMOTION

Driving traffic downtown is a major focus of the EDA. This is accomplished by hosting a wide array of events that highlight our retail, services, and restaurants. Events like Girls Night Out, Ellensburg Restaurant Week, Buskers in the Burg, Hoedown in the Downtown, and Hometown Holidays.

ECONOMIC VITALITY

The EDA’s primary focus is on the historic downtown “core” between the parameters of 6th Ave to 2nd Ave and Ruby Street to Water Street. The EDA supports business in many ways including promotion on our website/social media, hosting the NxLevel Entrepreneur Course, welcoming new businesses, and being a resource to businesses as they grow.

The more people who stop and stroll the town the better our local businesses are going to do and in turn, help to support a better local economy. In order to have a healthy community, you need to have a healthy Downtown. 

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