I have owned Book ’N’ Brush in downtown Chehalis since 2005. In those 20-plus years, I’ve seen a lot of changes, but one thing has remained constant: A healthy downtown depends on people being able to get here, park and move around safely, and enjoy spending time here.
That’s why transportation infrastructure matters to local businesses, but its impact goes well beyond business.
This November, Chehalis voters will decide whether to renew the City’s Transportation Benefit District (TBD), funded through the existing 0.2% sales tax approved by voters in 2017. This is not a new tax.
Since 2017, the Transportation Benefit District has raised $11.2 million for street, sidewalk, and pedestrian improvements throughout Chehalis. Those local dollars also help the city secure state and federal grants for larger projects, allowing our investment to go even further.
One example is especially important to downtown. The city secured a $4 million state grant for the first phase of its Downtown Rejuvenation Project, with Transportation Benefit District funding providing the local match. The project will improve streets, sidewalks, accessibility, traffic flow and other downtown infrastructure.
Our ability to secure additional funding for the Downtown Rejuvenation project phases will depend on our ability to generate the required matching funds, and the TBD is an important way to make that happen.
As a small business owner, I know those investments are connected to economic vitality. People come to Chehalis to shop, eat, attend events, relax and spend time downtown. When they do, they support local businesses and generate revenue that benefits our community. Because the Transportation Benefit District is funded through sales tax, those visitors also help pay for the streets and transportation infrastructure they use while they’re here.
But this isn’t only about attracting visitors. It’s about the quality of life we want for those of us who live here.
Safe sidewalks and crossings, accessible parking spaces, well-maintained roads, and a downtown that people want to visit and spend time all contribute to a stronger community.
I’ve spent many years working with others who care about keeping downtown Chehalis vibrant. Maintaining and improving the infrastructure that connects our community is part of that work.
David Hartz
Chehalis
