About Vancouver’s
Downtown Association
Our Mission is Simple
We keep downtown vibrant by fostering culture, heritage, and the arts through preservation-based economic development.
Established in 1989, Vancouver’s Downtown Association (VDA) is a nationally accredited Main Street America program and designated Washington Main Street organization. For more than 35 years, VDA has strengthened downtown Vancouver through historic preservation, place-based investment, small business support, and grassroots partnerships, helping keep downtown the cultural and economic heart of our community.
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 consists of downtown business owners, property owners, partners, and individuals who work, live, and play in our downtown.
Michael Walker
VDA Executive Director
Marianne Wilson Stein
President, Dandelion Teahouse & Apothecary
Linda Glover
Vice President, Divine Consign
Shara Wokal
Treasurer, LSW Architects
