Downtown Monroe Association revitalization strategy forming

The new Downtown Monroe Association (DMA) is gaining momentum as it works to establish a fresh revitalization strategy.

The pending 501(C)3 nonprofit organization is actively seeking additional board members, including downtown business owners, property owners and community members. The group meets at 3 p.m. every Tuesday at the Sultan-Monroe Masonic Lodge and 6:30 p.m. on the third Thursday of every month at the Monroe Boys & Girls Club.

Next Thursday's evening meeting will be held Oct. 15 at the Monroe Boys & Girls Club, and all are welcome to attend.

The organization has been in the process of adopting bylaws, creating its mission and vision statements and building committees to help with business-owner engagement, downtown aesthetics, promotion and fundraising. The mission of the DMA is "to enhance the historic charm of downtown Monroe while encouraging diverse commerce, tourism and an increased sense of community by utilizing the National Trust Main Street approach.GÇ¥

The group will eventually engage with the Washington State Department of Archaeology & Historic Preservation's Main Street Program, which uses a multipronged approach to incrementally revitalize historic downtown areas across the state. The program, which has been successfully deployed in Moses Lake, Chelan, Port Townsend and Walla Walla, works to revitalize historic downtown areas using preservation-based strategies that capitalize on local assets.

In its recently crafted vision statement, the group established that "the DMA strives to promote activities, restoration and vibrancy that reflect and enhance the foundation of our downtown community.GÇ¥

The DMA is seeking volunteers, additional board members and monetary donations. It has one pending grant application with the city of Monroe and is seeking members and volunteers who are skilled at grant writing to help secure additional funding. The group is discussing the implementation of an anti-littering campaign and hopes to be able to provide storefront improvement grants to support downtown business owners in the future.

For more information on the DMA, visit www.facebook.com/Downtown-Monroe-Association-390385554499565/timeline or email downtownmonroeassociation@gmail.com . The Sultan-Monroe Masonic Lodge is located at 125 S. Lewis St., Monroe. The Monroe Boys & Girls Club is located at 261 Sky River Parkway, near the Sky Valley Food Bank.