Building Back Downtown: A Vision for Aberdeen's Heart

If you ask anyone who lives in Aberdeen what they want for our city, you're likely to hear some variation of this: "I just want to see our downtown thriving again."

Me too.

Downtown Aberdeen is the heart of our community. It's where we should be gathering for parades, meeting friends for lunch, browsing local shops, and enjoying the unique character that makes this place home. Downtown used to be that kind of place—a vibrant center of activity and connection. But right now, it's not even close. It's empty, and run down. I’d love to get us back to what it once was.

One of the biggest hurdles we face is that many of these problem buildings are owned by a single property owner who has shown little interest in meaningful improvement. Instead of investing in repairs or redevelopment, these buildings sit neglected, bringing down the energy and potential of the surrounding area.

That’s not good enough. And it’s not the Aberdeen I believe in.

So I’ve been digging in—researching our city codes, reviewing state law, and identifying every tool we have to change this dynamic. Here’s what I’ve found:

• We already have ordinances on the books that require vacant downtown buildings to be secured, weatherproofed, and maintained.

• We can declare unsafe structures as public nuisances and take legal action to compel repair or removal.

• We have the authority to strengthen our enforcement tools through escalating fines, stricter inspections, or other creative measures.

One idea I’d like to explore further is the possibility of a public-facing dashboard to track the status of vacant buildings and enforcement actions. I haven’t brought this to staff yet, but I think transparency could be a powerful motivator, and the community deserves to know what’s being done to address these properties.

But enforcement alone won’t bring downtown back. We need vision, and we need investment.

That’s why I’m excited about the idea of creating a pedestrian-only plaza along Broadway between Heron and Wishkah. Imagine a central spot in town where people can walk, linger, eat outdoors, listen to live music, and truly enjoy being downtown. Businesses like Steam Donkey Brewing and GH Wine Sellars already have outdoor seating. It’s a natural gathering place just waiting to be nurtured.

And while there are buildings that are holding us back, there are also shining

examples of what’s possible when people believe in downtown. Lee and Dani Bacon have done amazing things with the old Goldberg's building, transforming it into Unplugged – The Music Project, and so much more upstairs. Their vision and effort show what’s possible with creativity and commitment. Learn more here.

I’m also exploring ways to incentivize new businesses to locate downtown, because a revitalized downtown only works if it’s alive with energy, ideas, and people.

I see a future where downtown Aberdeen is clean, safe, and full of life. Where every storefront has a story. Where families spend Saturday afternoons walking the sidewalks and greeting neighbors. Where the buildings reflect pride, not neglect.

We can get there. But it takes all of us.

So here’s what I’m asking:

• Visit a local business downtown this week. Your support matters more than you know.

• Come to a City Council meeting. Share your thoughts, your hopes, your concerns. Help shape the future of your city.

Because when we work together, and when your voice is truly heard, there’s no limit to what Aberdeen can become

Let’s build it, together.

Your voice. Our Aberdeen.