WA Main Street Program Rules
Adopted Rules - Effective January 1, 2017
The rules guide the State Historic Preservation Officer (SHPO) and director of the Department of Archaeology & Historic Preservation (DAHP) in administering the Washington State Main Street Program (WSMSP). The WSMSP was created by the legislature pursuant to chapter 43.360 RCW to assist local jurisdictions implementing economic and physical revitalization through the activities of designated and qualified 501(c)(3) or 501(c)(6) organizations.
The WSMSP is based upon an economic development model first formulated in the 1980s to revitalize historic downtown districts throughout the nation. Based upon experience, successful Main Street programs have come to be defined by tight-knit committee organization, strong volunteer commitment, and close adherence to the program’s “Four Point” guiding principles. The WSMSP Coordinator together with the managers of over 30 designated Main Street programs in Washington have consulted with the Director of DAHP on the need to place into rules the policies, eligibility criteria, plus roles and responsibilities of the state and local partners in order to sustain a strong and vital program.
