About
The Downtown Pullman Association is a local 501(c)3 non-profit Main Street organization in Pullman, Washington.
Everything we do is rooted in the idea that our community — Downtown Pullman — is a hidden gem.
We work to:
- Connect people and places
- Advocate for a healthy district
- Celebrate our community
- Create a welcoming place for all
Mission
To create and sustain vitality in the historic downtown within the City of Pullman.
Vision
Downtown Pullman is the heart and soul of our community, connects us to each other, and provides a place where lifelong memories are made.
History of the DPA
A story of community collaboration and revitalization efforts aimed at enhancing the vibrancy of Downtown Pullman.
- 2016: President Schulz of Washington State University (WSU) initiated discussions to improve Town-Gown relations, recognizing the importance of a thriving downtown for both residents and university stakeholders.
- 2017: Building owners gathered to address issues such as facade improvements and vacancies, signaling a proactive approach to revitalizing the area
- 2017: WSU proposed a draft for a downtown merchant’s association, laying the groundwork for what would become the Downtown Pullman Association (DPA).
- 2018: The Downtown Pullman Association (DPA) was established as a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization dedicated to preserving and enhancing Downtown Pullman’s charm and economic vitality.
- 2020: A Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) was formalized among the City of Pullman, Washington State University (WSU), the Pullman Chamber of Commerce, and the Downtown Pullman Association, This MOU solidified collaborative efforts to promote downtown revitalization and economic growth. WSU and the City of Pullman provided crucial seed funding and partnerships to support the hiring of DPA’s first Executive Director.
- 2022: In 2022, the Downtown Pullman Association (DPA) joined the Washington Main Street Network as an affiliate. Washington Main Street. This designation reflects DPA’s commitment to Main Street principles for downtown revitalization and historic preservation.
- 2024: The Downtown Pullman Association achieved further recognition as it was designated a 2024 Affiliate Program by Main Street America, highlighting its ongoing commitment to downtown revitalization and community engagement.
Why Main Street?
The DPA is proud to be an affiliate of the Washington State Main Street Program.
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, Outreach, and Promotion) into a practical downtown management strategy, a local Main Street program will produce fundamental changes in a community’s economic base.
