Business and community leaders in the City of Washington are excited to announce the establishment of a new organization, Discover Downtown Washington, Inc., to lead the City’s efforts to invigorate their historic downtown.
Following the framework of the Main Street Approach, the new organization will be responsible for establishing and implementing a vision for downtown Washington through four key strategies, known as Community Transformation Strategies, popularized by the National Main Street Center and the Indiana Office of Community and Rural Affairs’ (OCRA) Indiana Main Street Program: Economic Vitality, Promotion, Design, and Organization, also known as the Main Street Four Points.
“With all of the momentum we have in downtown Washington, I am thrilled to be a part of this new organization that will be a key player in shaping the character of downtown Washington,” said Dusty Davis, President of the Board of Directors of Discover Downtown Washington. The goals of this group are simple: create a welcoming environment in downtown Washington and preserve the historic character of our city center.”
The non-profit organization was officially incorporated on August 8th and is led by a 13-member Board of Directors consisting of business and community leaders from across Washington and Daviess County.
“We have brought together a strong Board, each of them bringing different perspectives and backgrounds to the table. Together, each of these unique viewpoints will be vital in expanding upon our efforts to support the central business district,” said Davis.
The City of Washington and Mayor Dave Rhoads were integral in initiating Discover Downtown Washington, starting with a community forum in December of 2021. Pursuant to the organization’s bylaws, the mayor serves as a key leader of the organization as a member of the Board of Directors.
“As the historic center of our community, downtown Washington is the lifeblood of our city. It is vital that we continue to invest along Main Street and encourage the continued formation of a vibrant district that attracts and retains talent and investment,” said Washington Mayor Dave Rhoads. “With public spaces like the Commons, continued investment from building owners, and initiatives from this new organization, there are plenty of exciting things to come in the near future.”