VDA Launches Block Captain Program
VDA is thrilled to unveil the Main Street Promise Block Captain Program, in collaboration with the City of Vancouver! Our dedicated Block Captains will serve as volunteer ambassadors for the Main Street Promise project, ensuring that residents, business/property owners, and visitors are well-informed and engaged. They'll be sharing the latest project updates and gathering valuable feedback from their respective blocks. Last week, our Block Captains met for the first time at Short N’ Sweet, identifying tactics to best communicate with their block to ensure timely delivery
US Transportation Secretary Visits Downtown
The heart of downtown Vancouver, Washington welcomed a special guest today – Secretary Pete Buttigieg! Mayor Anne McEnerny-Ogle, Governor Jay Inslee, Governor Tina Kotek, City Manager Eric Holmes, and our partners including WSDOT, Interstate Bridge Replacement Program, OregonDot, C-TRAN, Port of Vancouver USA, and Vancouver's Downtown Association joined hands in extending a warm welcome to Secretary Pete. The highlight of the day? A tour of the iconic I-5 Bridge, offering insights into our transportation infrastructure and future developments. Secretary Pete also explored our vibrant downtown core and the Vancouver waterfront, soaking in the beauty of
Waste Connections Sponsors Clean & Safe Program
We're thrilled to announce Waste Connections as the premiere corporate sponsor of our Clean & Safe Program, Spruce the Couve! Check out photos showcasing THIS week's graffiti removal efforts (2/5/24)! Interested in volunteering? Visit www.vdausa.org/get-involved to learn more and sign up! Let's make a positive difference together! Jan. 2024 Clean & Safe Report: Total Solid Waste Removed: 1,365 lbs Total Graffiti Removed: 622 tags Total Biohazard Items Removed: 273 Landscaping Islands Tended to: 7 Thank you, Waste Connections, for joining us in enhancing the very fabric of our collective quality
VDA Launches New Grant Program
Calling all Main Street Businesses from 5th to 15th Street! The Vancouver Downtown Association is thrilled to introduce the Bricks & Clicks Grant Program to support businesses leading up to the Main Street Promise infrastructure project. The Bricks & Clicks Grant Program is designed to: Boost the visibility of small businesses with additional signage. Beautify our downtown area by improving facades Empower businesses with resources for e-commerce development & marketing Support and retain our vibrant local businesses during Main Street reconstruction, starting Q2 2024. Priority
RevitalizeWA: A Resounding Success!
RevitalizeWA 2023 was a resounding success! 🌟 This week, VDA had the privilege of hosting 350+ attendees, representing 72 Washington communities, and 8 states. Over the course of 3 exciting days, we gathered at 15 downtown venues to engage in 50 thought-provoking workshop sessions centered around economic development, placemaking, and preservation. Our downtown lit up to welcome these attendees, many of which were bustling at our local restaurants and retailers. We are thrilled to announce that this conference contributed over $204,000 in economic activity to our
New Seasons: Bridging the Gap
Exciting News! New Seasons Market is now officially OPEN! Located at 16th & Main directly across from Clark County Historical Museum. After decades in the making, we're thrilled to announce the grand opening of our new grocery store that bridges the gap between downtown and uptown. This marks a significant step towards improving the quality of life for our community and creating a healthier, more robust residential center. THE COLUMBIAN—Vancouver’s Downtown Association also believes the soon-to-open grocery store will be a boon for the area, improving
Volunteer Corner: New Sculpture + Public Plaza
VDA unveiled Volunteer Corner, an awe-inspiring 7-ft metal sculpture and a charming miniature public plaza, right at the heart of Vancouver - at the intersection of E Evergreen & Broadway. This remarkable project is a tribute to the boundless spirit of volunteerism that pulses through our city. It's a celebration of the profound impact of Vancouver's Downtown Association (VDA) and City of Vancouver volunteer networks. The new public plaza is more than just a beautiful addition to our cityscape; it's a place to pause, reflect, and
Vancouver Arts & Music Festival
August 4-6 | Free and open to all ages, the Vancouver Arts & Music Festival invites you to enjoy three days of world-class music, art, dance, food and fun! Stages, pop-up galleries, family activities and food vendors will be available throughout downtown Vancouver and Esther Short Park. LEARN MORE: https://www.vancouverartsandmusicfestival.com SCHEDULE: https://vdausa.org/wp-content/uploads/363804793_761878042605876_8243029960930742850_n.pdf
Senate Bill 5336 is Law!
We are excited to announce the passage of Senate Bill 5336! This bill secures Vancouver’s place in the Washington Main Street Program, providing the framework and resources needed to support the critical work that we do. SB 5336 was passed unanimously by both the Senate and House, signed into law by Governor Jay Inslee on 4/14/23. “The passage of SB 5336, spearheaded by Sens. Cleveland, Mullet, Wilson, and the City of Vancouver, is a huge win for the economic prosperity of southwest Washington and downtown
SBA Visits Downtown Vancouver
Presidential Cabinet Member, Isabella Guzman, Administrator of the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA), Rep. Marie Gluesenkamp Pérez, and Mayor Anne McEnerny-Ogle, paid a special visit to VDA and downtown businesses last week! During this site visit, officials met one-on-one with our small business owners to identify their needs & challenges, in addition to connecting them with funding, counseling, training, contracting assistance, and more. A huge thank you to the SBA and our elected officials for this opportunity & their support of downtown Vancouver!