About Vancouver’s
Downtown Association

Our Mission is Simple

We keep Downtown Vibrant.

Vancouver’s Downtown Association knows that traditional downtowns are more relevant than ever. Walkable, clean and safe city centers are job-producing, memory-making, convention-welcoming, vibrant places where people want to live, work and visit. There is no greater indicator of a community’s health than the positive pace of its downtown.

farmers market and kiggins theater

Our Story

Vancouver’s Downtown Association (VDA) was established as a volunteer group in 1989—to turn the tide in support of our downtown community that was facing momentous challenges.

VDA acted as a critical voice and catalyst to begin the steps to reinvigorate our city center into a place that people wanted to visit, live, work, and open shop. In 2005, VDA joined the Washington Main Street Program, a highly accredited economic development framework providing the structure and funding needed to meet our downtown’s explicit needs.

For over 30 years, our passionate volunteers have worked tirelessly to create an attractive employment center, increase visitor traffic to our small businesses, and improve the quality of life for our residents. These guiding principles helps us meet our mission of Keeping Downtown Vibrant.

The VDA’s 4 volunteer-led committees: Design, Promotions, Economic Vitality, and Organization address different aspects of this exciting work.

4-Point Structure

The Main Street Four-Point 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.

Design

  • Public Art
  • Public Spaces
  • Building Improvements
  • Design Education
  • Enforcement

Promotions

  • Marketing Strategy
  • Image Building
  • Retail Promotions
  • Special Events

Economic Vitality

  • Market Research
  • Business Assistance
  • Financial Assistance
  • Property Development

Organization

  • Volunteer Development
  • Communications
  • Public Relations
  • Fundraising

Board Of Directors

Our board is made up of downtown business owners and individuals who work, play, and live in our downtown.

picture of michael
Michael Walker
VDA Executive Director
picture of linda glover
Linda Glover
President, Divine Consign
Marianne Wilson Stein
Vice President, Dandelion Teahouse & Apothecary
picture of shara
Shara Wokal
Treasurer, LSW Architects
picture of linda reid
Linda Reid
Secretary, Heritage Bank

Board Members

Christie Rust
Hilton Vancouver
Dan Wyatt Jr.
Kiggins Theatre
Esther Cho Liu
LSW Architects
Michelle Thor
Columbia Credit Union
Wendy Marvin
Matrix Roofing & Home

Support your community by pledging your B&O tax to VDA.

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