PORT ANGELES — The Port Angeles Waterfront District (PAWD) and the city have entered into a three-year agreement to enhance the downtown waterfront business area.
This week, the city council unanimously gave approval to the contract that starts January 1st. The city will direct downtown parking and improvement fees charged to downtown businesses to the PA Waterfront District. In return, the district is tasked with boosting economic development, revitalizing commerce, improving aesthetics, and promoting public events.
Port Angeles City Manager Nathan West says the city wants the PAWD to get back into the national “Mainstreet Program” as well.
Your browser doesn’t support HTML5 audio
“One of the most important things to me as city manager is getting the Main Street program back on track. It’s a nationally recognized initiative that brings significant benefits to local communities, including national recognition, conferences, additional funding opportunities, and tax rebates,” West said during an appearance on Newsradio KONP’s Todd Ortloff Show.
The now-defunct “Port Angeles Downtown Association” had held similar contracts with the city in the past. Built on a parking improvement fee, businesses north of Second Street between Valley and Lincoln streets pay quarterly fees based on their size, ranging from $40 to $100. That money goes into things such as seasonal flowers, banners, alley enhancements, and public event sponsorships, including special sales events and festivals.