Wenatchee Downtown Association Uses Survey to Boost Community Inclusion

The Wenatchee Downtown Association applied the Belonging Barometer, a survey developed by Washington Main Street, to gauge how residents feel about downtown and who participates in shaping it. The results highlighted that many people view downtown as costly and were unaware that the association and its volunteers drive much of the area’s development.

Using the data, the association promoted free and low‑cost activities, such as public art and community gatherings, and revamped an underused plaza by adding seating, umbrellas, green space, and a bike rack to make the area more inviting. These changes have increased foot traffic and positive feedback from visitors.

The survey also prompted an accessibility audit to assess how people with mobility or visual impairments experience downtown. Partnerships with local nonprofits, the Chamber of Commerce, the city, and a Hispanic outreach organization helped broaden the survey’s reach through bilingual materials and multiple distribution channels.

Pulido, the association’s executive director, plans to repeat the survey every few years to measure progress and ensure that efforts to enhance belonging are effective. The data will continue to inform programming, volunteer recruitment, and internal processes, aiming to strengthen community connections and reduce social isolation.