HDSA: Stewards of Historic Downtown Snohomish
Get to know us through our video series, showcasing the stories of the many stakeholders we’re proud to support. Their love for Snohomish is what inspires our work every day. Start with our compilation video, then explore the individual testimonials that highlight what makes our town so beloved. We hope these stories capture the spirit of Snohomish that we all cherish.
OUR MISSION
The Historic Downtown Snohomish Association (HDSA) is the officially recognized organization dedicated to the (re)vitalization of Downtown Snohomish. We are a volunteer-driven and volunteer-based 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization.
Our mission is to support those who live, work, and play in the Downtown Historic District through visionary leadership, preservation-focused efforts, outreach, and fostering community in the heart and soul of the city of Snohomish.
OUR VISION
Downtown Snohomish is a timeless, one-of-a-kind place full of diverse, surprising, and almost magical experiences enjoyed by individuals, families, and friends from near and far. There is a genuine small town feel that is built on thriving small businesses where owners and staff connect with locals and visitors alike. It is welcoming and familiar yet discoverable which draws people back time and time again. The past is preserved but the present is welcomed and we innovate for the future.
Vision for the HDSA: Through our work, the HDSA is seen and known as the most recognized and indispensable leader among landlords, merchants, residents, government and other partners in stewarding our downtown.
STRATEGY
As the stewards of this historic place, the HDSA is responsible for coordinating the work to make this vision come to fruition. At a high level, our strategy involves:
Working with Landlords to help them find the right types of businesses that will enhance the downtown experience and be successful long-term tenants.
Supporting our business owners by advocating for a vibrant downtown that is small business focused and well-balanced between retail, food, experiences and services. We are their indispensable partner and expert in creating this downtown by cultivating businesses and ensuring the success and vitality of the entire district.
Building community through our events, placemaking, and programs to support relationships, families, and connections.
Promoting historic downtown Snohomish both near and far and encouraging one-of-a-kind experiences that draw people back again and again.
Government partnerships – building relationships at all levels to ensure that we are harnessing the resources and building the support needed to shape the downtown we envision.
Coordinating with other non-profit organizations that touch our district to help prioritize work and leverage each other’s resources for the benefit of our downtown.
Creating a stable financial and engaged volunteer organization that can support the work we have before us.
You can follow along with our work as it progresses by viewing our "HDSA at work" table below
CORE VALUES
Community – Embrace and serve the downtown district patrons, visitors, business owners and building owners. Foster effective
partnerships with the city and other organizations.
Inclusion – Create inclusive access, attitude, choice, partnerships, communications, policies, and opportunities.
Innovation – Lead by example, use shared language, provide open processes and procedures, encourage diversity, invite engagement and collaboration.
Promotion – Share downtown Snohomish through traditional advertising, direct relationship building and digital modalities. Foster great public relations.
Preservation – Integrate cultural, historical, and economic preservation into all our work. Seek knowledge of governance. Be resourceful. Encourage multi-organizational cooperation.
HDSA at Work
Follow our projects and see the impact we have downtown
2024 ANNUAL REPORT
2024 was a year of growth, community, and impact for Historic Downtown Snohomish! From welcoming 10 new businesses and hosting 13 thriving events to advocating for our district and enhancing downtown’s beauty, we made meaningful strides. Our events boosted local business revenue by 37% on average, and volunteer engagement tripled. We remain committed to creating a vibrant, welcoming downtown. Read our annual report to see how your support is shaping the future of our district!
<<<Click the image to read the report
HDSA 2025-26 STAFF & BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Maygen Hetherington, Executive Director
Denya Ardis, Programs and Communications Manager
Ken Coman, board president, owner of Top It Yogurt Shoppe
David Flynn, board vice president, owner of First Street Coffee Roasters and downtown resident
Pam James, board secretary, local realtor and downtown resident
Brandy Hekker, board treasurer, local business person, CMG Home Loans, and Snohomish resident
Amanda Munro, board member, chair of Snohomish Pride, resident
Benjamin Goodwin, board member, local attorney, Thompson, Guildner & Associates, Inc., P.S.
Heidi Ihde, board member, commercial RE broker
Rachel Morgan, board member, owner of Rachel Morgan Consulting
Alyssa Meals, board member, downtown resident and parent
Lucy Henderson, board member, Snohomish resident
Jessica Trouillaud, board member, owner of Opaline Interiors
Shari Ireton, ex-officio board member, director of community engagement and strategic initiatives, City of Snohomish
HDSA STANDING COMMITTEES
Our program is based on the 4 Points of the Main Street Model: Design, Economic Vitality, Outreach, and Promotion. We structure our committees within each of these 4 points, with targeted objectives and strategic goals. Our current committees are as follows:
Real Estate (EV/D)
Strengthens connections between HDSA and property owners, landlords, and commercial brokers to support the economic vitality of downtown Snohomish. The committee documents property ownership, tracks tenancy changes, and educates stakeholders on HDSA’s vision for downtown development. By fostering collaboration and identifying opportunities for strategic growth, this committee helps shape a thriving and sustainable business district. This committee is led by Heidi Ihde.
Business (EV/P)
Focuses on supporting small businesses in downtown Snohomish by identifying their needs, providing resources, and offering training in areas like marketing, operations, and financial management. Through surveys, workshops, and strategic planning, the committee helps businesses access tools for growth and sustainability. Led by Lucy Henderson and supported by HDSA leadership and external partners, the initiative aims to foster a thriving local business community.
Government and Non-Profits (D/O)
Builds strong relationships between HDSA and key stakeholders, including government agencies, nonprofits, and private organizations. The committee actively seeks resources, funding opportunities, and strategic partnerships that benefit the downtown district, supporting local businesses and community initiatives. This committee is led by David Flynn.
Fostering Community (O)
Strengthens connections between residents, volunteers, and the Historic Downtown Snohomish Association. Through community surveys, outreach events, and volunteer engagement initiatives, we gather input, support local projects, and enhance volunteer experiences. This committee is led by Alyssa Meals.
Snohomish Pride (O/P)
Committed to celebrating ALL of our neighbors and friends and creating safe spaces for ALL in our lovely town. This committee is led by Amanda Munro
Winterfest (EV/P)
This committee plans a weekend full of winter fun for the whole family to enjoy! This is a staff led committee.
Our committees provide essential leadership for our organization, and we welcome community volunteers to join us in this work. Additionally, there are many other opportunities to get involved in events, programs, and initiatives throughout downtown. Visit our volunteer page to learn more and register today!
HDSA MEETINGS
HDSA board meetings are held every other month in the evenings. These meetings are to accomplish the strategic and working plans of the organization, in accordance with our mission and vision for the downtown historic district. In addition, we also hold quarterly merchant meetings for our businesses and an annual appreciation event for all the stakeholders of historic downtown Snohomish. If you would like more information about any of these meetings, please email our executive director: manager@historicdowntownsnohomish.org