We’re pleased to announce that the Washington State Main Street Program is growing!

As of January 1, 2022, our network will have three new Main Street Affiliates – Anacortes, Cowlitz County, and Point Roberts. Over the past year, the state legislature and local programs made huge strides in expanding the support and capacity of Washington’s Main Street network to meet the ongoing and changing needs of downtowns. This growth makes it an energizing time for the Anacortes Downtown Association, Cowlitz Co. Historic Preservation Committee, and Point Roberts Community Advisory Committee to join as Affiliates to learn more about the Main Street Approach™ and add their revitalization efforts with the 66 other Washington towns and cities working with Washington Main Street.

Affiliates are towns and organizations exploring how the Main Street Approach can serve as the guide in meeting their revitalization goals. Anacortes is a vibrant coastal community located on the drive-to Fidalgo Island in the lands of the Samish people. Their Main Street organization, the Anacortes Downtown Association, is an emerging start-up which has already reached out to designated Main Street Communities for advice and has taken this step to further lean into the strength of the Main Street network. Representing many cities, rural towns, and unincorporated areas with rich and unique histories, Cowlitz County is where the Washington Territory was created from the 1852 Monticello Convention. The Cowlitz County Historic Preservation Committee is a volunteer committee of the county government with a focus on identifying, evaluating, and protecting historic and pre-historic resources as well as the preservation and rehabilitation of historic properties. Point Roberts is Washington’s only pene-exclave community as it can only be reached by land through Canada, so if you plan to visit this new Affiliate you’ll be an international traveler by default! Created to advise and make recommendations to Whatcom County Executive and Council, the Point Roberts Community Advisory Committee keeps up with local needs and issues as well as stewards the Point Roberts Character Plan.

Using local resources and nationwide best practices, the Washington State Main Street Program helps this network of 69 towns and cities develop their own strategies to stimulate long-term economic growth and civic pride. We provide access to information, support the capacity of local downtown revitalization leaders, and offer guidance to individuals and organizations interested in downtown revitalization. To learn more about Washington Main Street, visit preservewa.org/mainstreet.

  • Cowlitz County Nisqually Tribe Family. Photo courtesy of Cowlitz County Historic Preservation Commission.
  • Historic Modrow Bridge, a unique steel arch bridge, in unincorporated Kalama, Cowlitz County. Photo courtesy of Cowlitz County Historic Preservation Commission.
  • Historic Downtown Anacortes Sign
  • Anacortes Downtown Parklets
  • Point Roberts shoreline. Photo by Darryl Dyck of The Canadian Press.
  • Saltwater Cafe in Point Roberts
  • Point Roberts Marina

Top Photo of Anacortes by C. McKenzie, board member from the Anacortes Downtown Association.