Home builders contribute $10,000 to strengthen downtown Colville
September 27, 2024
The Building Industry Association of Washington has contributed a $10,000 grant to help strengthen downtown Colville.
Spokane Home Builders Association Public Affairs and Strategic Officer Isaiah Paine presented the contribution to Colville Together during its 4th Friday celebration on Friday, Sept. 27.
“As part of the Washington Main Street program, Colville Together works to preserve and promote downtown Colville,” Paine said. “BIAW and the Spokane Home Builders Association support this mission by working to build homes people can afford across our region. Together we build communities.”
BIAW’s Member Services Corporation (MSC) contributed $50,000 to five Main Street Washington organizations to help revitalize their downtown districts through the Main Street tax credit incentive program.
Part of Main Street America, Main Street Washington started in 1984 and now serves 39 Main Street organizations across Washington.
Helping Colville Together strengthen downtown Colville
“I’m pleased to present Colville Together with a $10,000 check,” Paine said. “Thank you, Colville Together, for your work to bring energy and life to strengthen downtown Colville. BIAW and the Spokane Home Builders Association are proud to partner with you.”
Established in 2017, Colville Together works to preserve and revitalize downtown Colville. As a designated Main Street Community through the Main Street Washington program, Colville Together focuses on enhancing the physical environment of downtown, including its buildings, streets, sidewalks, and trees. The program is part of Washington’s Trust for Historic Preservation.
“Every contribution, big or small, makes a significant impact not just for Colville Together, but for the entire Colville community,” said Rosemary Shaw, Executive Director for Colville Together. “These funds go directly toward our projects and programs that enhance downtown Colville.”
BIAW MSC supports communities where we live and build
BIAW MSC directors reviewed the list of organizations across Washington. They then selected five serving communities where BIAW members live, work and build. The four other Main Street programs the group funded were:
- 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.”
Investing in Main Street
In return for their investment, MSC directors secured a Business and Occupation (B&O) tax credit of $37,500. That’s 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. They may 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.