Downtown group gets national kudos
May 2—The Downtown Pullman Association was nationally recognized for its exceptional service to the community.
The association was designated as an affiliate program by Main Street America. Each year, the organization and its partners announce a list of programs across the country for their commitment to community revitalization.
Main Street America's goal is to support economic resiliency and improve quality of life through a variety of place-based developments in downtowns across the U.S., according to its website.
It highlights local programs that follow what Main Street America calls the "Main Street Approach," which offers community-based initiatives to create a thriving local economy, distinctive character and welcoming spaces for residents and visitors.
The Downtown Pullman Association was one of 1,188 programs to be acknowledged. According to the website, 800 earned an accredited status, or top designation tier, and 388 received an affiliate status for showing strong commitments to improving communities.
Main Street America programs generated $5.68 billion in local reinvestment efforts in 2023, according to the website. In that time, more than 6,000 businesses opened, 35,000 jobs were created and 10,000 historic buildings were rehabilitated.
The organization reviews each program's performance through assessments conducted by its personnel and board of directors.
It also uses a coordinating program that works in partnership with Main Street America to identify local entities that meet rigorous community evaluation standards, according to the website.
To be considered, programs must demonstrate a strong commitment to the Main Street model that includes outstanding achievement in broad-based community commitment to revitalization, inclusive leadership and organizational capacity, diversified funding and sustainable program operations, strategy-driven programming, preservation-based economic development and observable impacts.
Pearce can be reached at epearce@dnews.com.
