Port Angeles council adds letter backing Waterfront District bid for Washington Main Street program

Council members unanimously included a letter of support for the Port Angeles Waterfront District’s application to join the Washington Main Street program as part of the consent agenda at the meeting. Multiple downtown business owners, arts leaders and the Waterfront District’s executive director urged the council to back the application during the meeting’s public comment periods.Backed by business and arts leaders, proponents told council the Main Street designation provides technical assistance, a known brand for downtown revitalization and a state tax-incentive mechanism that could stabilize nonprofit revenue for the Waterfront District. Sam Grello, executive director of the Port Angeles Waterfront District, said the district became a Main Street affiliate this spring and is applying for admission into the official program in 2026. “The Main Street brand is well known throughout the country and connotes positive downtown vibrancy,” Grello said. Roxanne Greesen, speaking for the Port Angeles Arts Council, said the designation would provide “critical tools and incentives to sustain and expand” recent revitalization efforts and help small businesses and creative placemaking. The council added the letter through the consent agenda after Council Member Navarro placed the item on the consent list for tonight’s meeting. The consent agenda — which included the city council minutes, expenditure report and several contracts — passed unanimously. The motion to approve the consent agenda incorporated the Main Street letter of support and was adopted without separate roll-call objection. Why it matters: The Main Street program provides participating communities with technical assistance and statewide networking; supporters said the brand helps attract residents, businesses and visitors and can include a state tax-incentive that supports Main Street organizations’ operations. City staff will transmit the municipal letter of support so the Waterfront District can include it in its state application. The Waterfront District and supporters noted the designation would not itself create city-funded programs; instead, it helps local nonprofits access training and tax credits that may reduce reliance on one-time grants. Council and public comment: Council Member Navarro introduced the item for addition to the consent agenda and later moved approval of the entire consent agenda; the motion passed unanimously. Speakers who addressed the council in support included Sam Grello (executive director, Port Angeles Waterfront District); Caleb McMahon (resident, Waterfront District representative); Roxanne Greesen (representing the Port Angeles Arts Council); Christina Parker (small-business marketing owner and Waterfront District participant); and Steven Puleo (local business owner). Each speaker asked the council to sign a letter of support and cited examples from other Washington Main Street communities. Next steps and context: The Waterfront District will use the municipal letter as part of its state application. City staff confirmed the letter is part of the packet forwarded under the consent agenda; no separate ordinance or binding financial commitment by the city was created by this action. The City Council will continue work on the broader 2026 budget and other capital items at upcoming meetings.