Main Spotlight: Breaking Barriers to Acquiring Commercial Properties
Creating real change in business ownership starts with local communities leading the way, backed by strong partnerships and collaborations.
Get inspiring insights from Main Street business owners and economic development leaders.
Listen NowWe work in collaboration with thousands of local partners and grassroots leaders across the nation who share our commitment to advancing shared prosperity, creating resilient economies, and improving quality of life.
Made up of small towns, mid-sized communities, and urban commercial districts, the thousands of organizations, individuals, volunteers, and local leaders that make up Main Street America™ represent the broad diversity that makes this country so unique.
Looking for strategies and tools to support you in your work? Delve into the Main Street Resource Center and explore a wide range of resources including our extensive Knowledge Hub, professional development opportunities, field service offerings, advocacy support, and more!
Your one-stop-shop for all the latest stories, news, events, and opportunities – including grants and funding programs – across Main Street.
Join us in our work to advance shared prosperity, create strong economies, and improve quality of life in downtowns and neighborhood commercial districts.
Nestled against the waters of the Puget Sound, Bainbridge Island is known for its spectacular natural beauty, rich art, and diverse culture. (It is also the birthplace of Pickleball!) Our downtown is accessible from the Seattle waterfront via a 40-minute ferry ride and serves as a gateway to the Kitsap Peninsula and beyond. Bainbridge Island Downtown Association embraces our strong transportation links to foster a walkable and accessible Main Street for locals, tourists, and Seattleites.
Our robust transportation connections have a significant impact on the vitality and culture of Bainbridge. The ferry brings a constant flow of visitors who are interested in exploring the unique offerings of the Main Street district and surrounding area. This influx of visitors contributes to the economic vitality of the Main Street, supporting local businesses and encouraging the development of a diverse range of shops, restaurants, and cultural attractions.
Promoting and developing solutions for accessibility is crucial for Bainbridge to thrive as a dynamic and attractive destination, and the ferry connecting Seattle to Bainbridge plays a significant role. Bainbridge Island Downtown Association is a strong advocate for long-term, sustainable methods of affordable, accessible, and safe transportation for residents and visitors with an emphasis on creating a carbon neutral pedestrian-friendly environment.
We developed our Walkabout Guide to help visitors navigate the Main Street district by foot. This guide dovetails nicely with BI Ride, a new pilot program developed by Kitsap Transit that allows for visitors and locals to have the option to be “carefree and car free.” The on-demand bus service runs morning through mid-afternoon when routed buses are not running, getting people almost anywhere on Bainbridge Island. Riders can hop on at timed slots or book a ride using an app at an affordable $2.00 or less per ride.
Bainbridge Island is a hub of culture, art, food, and nature. Our Creative Art District is located just minutes from the downtown Main Street district. It includes the Bainbridge Island Art Museum and a children’s museum. Bainbridge Island is also recognized in the culinary world. In 2023, one of our renowned restaurants, Seabird, was named as one of Bon Appetite’s restaurants of the year. Another highlight is the Bainbridge Island Farmers Market, where shoppers can sample fresh local produce, artisanal crafts, and delicious food from local vendors.
Bainbridge Island is also deeply rooted in native culture and history. The island has a strong connection to the Suquamish Tribe, and visitors can immerse themselves in the local indigenous traditions and learn about the rich heritage of the area. Located just north of the island, the Suquamish Museum provides fascinating insights into the tribe’s history, art, and culture.
The island is a place of natural wonders and picturesque landscapes, including lush forests, stunning beaches, and breathtaking views of Puget Sound from Waterfront Park. For the outdoor enthusiasts Bainbridge Island offers plenty of opportunities for hiking, biking, and kayaking.
Bainbridge Island Downtown Association leverages many of these unique tourist opportunities to help promote our district. On the first Friday of every month, we host an Art Walk where people can browse local art and cuisine as they walk around the downtown area. We also offer a “walkable wine tasting” self-tour featuring downtown wineries and tasting rooms—perfect for visitors who just stepped off the ferry.
Bainbridge Island Downtown Association leverages walkability, transit, and accessibility to enhance the vibrancy and culture of our downtown. Our connection to the ferry provides opportunities for a diverse range of visitors who help support sustainable economic growth and a vibrant and welcoming atmosphere for both locals and tourists.
Franklin Bronze Plaques, a Main Street America Allied Member, is this quarter's Main Spotlight advertiser. For more information about the products and services they provide to Main Street organizations, click here >