Downtown Auburn Cooperative outlines events, committees and Main Street accreditation push

Christina Driessen, outgoing president of the Downtown Auburn Cooperative (DAC), presented the organization’s 2024 activity and goals to the City Council on Jan. 27, describing committee work, events and a push for Main Street USA accreditation.

"I'm Christina Driessen," Driessen said, and she outlined DAC activity including 35 events in 2024, more than 6,000 website viewers and roughly 3,100 social‑media followers. She told council DAC provided about 692 volunteer hours for the year and continues a mix of promotions, design, economic vitality and organizational committees.

Driessen described DAC programs such as historic walking tours, a ribbon‑cutting program, monthly mix-and-mingle events with guest speakers, three vendor markets, Pet Palooza, National Night Out and the annual Giving Wreath holiday program that collects gifts for shut‑in seniors.

On governance and funding, Driessen said DAC is a nonprofit (501(c)(3)) that receives about three‑quarters of its funding from the Business Improvement Area (BIA) and operates under bylaws. She said DAC is an affiliate member of Main Street USA and is working toward full designated status so it can pursue additional grant funding.

Council members asked about public safety and security downtown. Driessen said the BIA funded extra security when conditions became “critical,” and she credited coordination between business owners, police and DAC efforts for recent improvements in downtown safety.

Why it matters: DAC serves as the downtown business forum and event organizer; its move toward Main Street designation could expand grant funding opportunities for downtown revitalization projects and façade improvements.

The presentation was informational; council did not take formal action during the study session.