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About

About

Mission Statement: Encourage community involvement and investment in preserving the character of historic downtown Astoria while promoting its health and future.

History of ADHDA: The Astoria Downtown Historic District Association is a non-profit organization that was organized in 1985 as a result of work done by the Oregon Downtown Development Association (ODDA). ODDA’s mission was to establish downtown associations throughout the state, and they provided training and assistance in the Oregon Main Street Program. Astoria was one of the original Main Street communities in Oregon.

The downtown district that ADHDA is primarily concerned with is comprised of 36 blocks. The boundary lines are 8th and 16th Streets to the west and east and Exchange Street and the River to the south and the north.

ADHDA enjoyed success until Oregon Ballot Measure 5, an amendment to the state’s constitution, was passed in 1990. The ballot measure established limits on property and real estate taxes in Oregon. This forced a massive City budget cut. At that time, ADHDA’s budget was largely funded by the City and taxes on property owners, and it was subsequently cut. The association has since seen times of renewed energy whenever a new group of determined volunteers arrived on scene.

ADHDA is currently riding one of those highs and is seeing rejuvenated and increased energy and excitement. In 2010, Astoria re-entered the Oregon Main Street Program and has since moved into the transforming level of the program. ADHDA is working hard to promote downtown Astoria through programs and coordinated events and re-establish itself as a reliable community partner.

Maybe you’ve seen us in action:
  • assisting tenants of the #10 Sixth Street building with relocation after a devastating fire
  • coordinating the annual downtown cleanup day
  • presenting the wildly successful Jane Barnes Revue (famous local men dressed as women), raising money for ADHDA and its work
  • conducting business and consumer surveys to identify new opportunities downtown
  • presenting the annual downtown holiday kickoff the Saturday after Thanksgiving
  • compiling a comprehensive inventory of downtown properties to help reduce vacancy rates in the district
  • presenting the monthly Second Saturday Art Walk
  • partnering with the City of Astoria and the Astoria Sunday Market to bring streetscape improvements to the district