Builders investing in Main Street
April 29, 2024
The Building Industry Association of Washington is investing in Main Street. BIAW’s Member Services Corporation has invested $50,000 in five Main Street Washington organizations to help revitalize their downtown districts.
Part of the Main Street America program, Main Street Washington started in 1984 and now serves 39 Main Street organizations across Washington.
Supporting communities where we live and build
MSC directors reviewed the list of organizations across Washington and selected the following serving communities where BIAW members live, work and build.
- Ridgefield Main Street: Served by the Building Industry Association of Clark County, Ridgefield Main Street preserves the cultural heritage of downtown Ridgefield, while advocating for its future through economic development, community events, public and private partnerships and more.
- Ellensburg Downtown Association: Located in one of many communities served by the Central Washington Home Builders Association, the Ellensburg Downtown Association has been working to attract more foot traffic to Ellensburg’s Main Street to support local businesses and the community since 2004.
- Historic Downtown Kennewick Partnership: The Historic Downtown Kennewick Partnership, served by the Home Builders Association of Tri-Cities & Walla Walla, develops partnerships with other community-minded organizations to build and expand the downtown.
- Puyallup Main Street Association: Serving Puyallup since 1989 in Master Builders Association of Pierce County territory, the Puyallup Main Street Association works to create a downtown business district people can feel proud of where “business owners and shoppers, or clients know each other on a first-name basis.”
- Colville Together: In the area served by the Spokane Home Builders Association, Colville Together focuses on preserving and planning for downtown Colville.
Investing in Main Street
In return for their investment in these five Main Street organizations, MSC directors secured a Business and Occupation (B&O) tax credit of $37,500 or 75% of their contribution. The credit helps reduce MSC’s tax burden while supporting the communities BIAW members serve.
The Main Street Washington Tax Credit Incentive Program allows any Washington business to contribute either directly to a Main Street organization or to the Main Street Trust Fund. Businesses can apply for up to $250,000 in credits each year.