Downtown Issaquah Association
recognized as 2021 Main Street America affiliate
Credited for making meaningful enhancements to the City
Issaquah, WA, June 1, 2021 – The Downtown Issaquah Association (DIA) has been designated as an affiliate Main Street™ program. Each year, Main Street America and its partners announce the list of nationally recognized affiliate programs in recognition of their commitment to creating meaningful improvements in their downtowns and commercial districts using the Main Street Approach™, a framework for preservation-based economic development and community revitalization.
“We are thrilled to acknowledge this year’s 337 Main Street affiliate programs and their commitment to revitalizing their downtowns and commercial districts,” said Patrice Frey, President & CEO of Main Street America. “During a difficult year, these Main Street programs have proven their unique ability to generate impressive economic outcomes, preserve the character of their downtowns, and lift up their communities.”
In 2020, Main Street America programs generated $4.14 billion in local reinvestment, helped open 4,356 net new businesses, generated 14,988 net new jobs, catalyzed the rehabilitation of 8,488 historic buildings, and clocked 983,702 volunteer hours.
The Downtown Issaquah Association’s performance is annually evaluated by Washington State’s Main Street Program, which works in partnership with Main Street America to identify the local programs that are committed to the comprehensive revitalization and achieving meaningful community outcomes.
For 26 years DIA has guided historic downtown Issaquah, merchants, and volunteers in creating a lively downtown that draws the most visitors to the Greater Issaquah area, second only to Tiger mountain. DIA is best known for such flagship events and activities as the ArtWalk and Music Stroll, Gas Station Blues, Artisan Market, Fenders on Front, and last year’s Streatery. This summer DIA will reprise the outdoor dining concept as Al Fresco on Front, featuring distinctive shopping and diverse restaurant offerings.
“Despite COVID, DIA was able to come up with creative ways for a safe, fun and playful downtown that helped businesses get through 2020,” said Christina Bruning, president of DIA. Visitors come for history, arts and music, and the beautiful parks, creek and mountain that are second to none.”
