The Historic Downtown Snohomish Association (HDSA) has been instrumental in fostering community spirit and supporting local businesses over the last two decades. In a recent City Council meeting, HDSA Board President Ken Coman discussed strategies for balancing the needs of downtown events with the interests of local merchants. With data from 2024 in hand, the HDSA is considering ways to keep First Street accessible to shoppers while still hosting popular events. Business owners have reported mixed impacts from street closures, with some events leading to increased foot traffic and sales, while others, like the Snohomish Classic Car Show, experienced a slight revenue decline. Coman proposed cultivating a separate gathering space to facilitate community events without compromising business operations.

HDSA Executive Director Maygen Hetherington emphasized the importance of building partnerships with event organizers to mitigate potential negative impacts on local businesses. As they move into 2025, HDSA is committed to enhancing the quality of existing events and advocating for the interests of downtown merchants. The organization aims to create a win-win situation that benefits both event planners and local businesses.