New executive director named for La Grande Main Street Downtown

La Grande Main Street Downtown welcomed Allison Harvey as its new executive director, stepping into the role Jan. 12 after the organization announced the hire on Facebook Jan. 9. The nonprofit, which partners with businesses, members and local groups to revitalize downtown La Grande, said Harvey brings more than seven years of experience in business development, nonprofit leadership, community outreach and program coordination.

Harvey succeeds Sarah Marcotte, who joined La Grande Main Street Downtown in January 2024. Marcotte’s tenure lasted roughly two years, and the leadership change comes as the organization continues its work supporting small businesses, coordinating volunteers and developing workforce-oriented programming that affects Union County’s economic pulse.

For local merchants and property owners, a stable executive director matters. Main Street groups typically drive programming that increases foot traffic, organizes events, and negotiates public-private partnerships that can reduce vacancy rates and lift retail sales. Harvey’s background in building partnerships and leading volunteer teams suggests an emphasis on both community-level programming and collaboration with local stakeholders — activities that can translate into higher event attendance, improved storefront occupancy and a more visible downtown brand.

Beyond immediate business support, Harvey’s experience in workforce development could shape longer-term labor market outcomes in La Grande. Workforce-focused programming helps align training and hiring, which can reduce recruitment frictions for small businesses and create pathways from training to local jobs. For a county whose economic base relies on a mix of retail, services and regional employers, strengthening that pipeline supports both payrolls and the sales tax base that funds local services.

Policy implications are practical. Effective downtown revitalization often depends on coordination with city planning, grant management, and volunteer mobilization. A director with nonprofit leadership and program coordination skills can improve grant readiness and program evaluation, making it easier for downtown organizations to secure public and philanthropic funding. That, in turn, affects the pace and scale of storefront improvements, streetscape projects and community events that residents see on Main Street.

For residents, the change in leadership is a signal to watch upcoming programming calendars and meetings. Main Street initiatives tend to be where small grants, volunteer efforts and business promotion come together; consistent leadership can keep projects on schedule and sharpen fundraising efforts.

The takeaway? New leadership is a moment to re-engage. If you care about downtown storefronts, events or local hiring efforts, show up to meetings, support Main Street events, or volunteer a few hours. Our two cents? A busy downtown is built one small step — and one volunteer — at a time.