Downtown Pullman Association outlines growth plan; council approves lodging-tax grants for Market on Maine

Bobby Reiter, speaking for the Downtown Pullman Association, told the city council on March 10 that the organization has helped spur downtown activity through events, promotions and private fundraising and asked for ongoing support to expand that momentum.

Reiter highlighted Market on Maine’s early traction — an opening market drew about 450 visitors, and subsequent markets have averaged roughly 250 attendees — and said the DPA has raised more than $900,000 in grants and donations since 2021 from a mix of sources including the city, WSU, Main Street program and private donors. He also described promotion through social media (which he said generated about 1.4 million views in 2025) and explained the B&O tax-credit mechanism that can steer donated taxes back to downtown organizations.

Paul Warner, a board member for Pullman Market on Maine, urged the council to vote yes on an LTAC request to help market the event and convert day trippers into overnight visitors. The consent agenda later included two lodging-tax grants: up to $5,000 to the Pullman Chamber of Commerce for Holiday Fest 2025 and up to $35,000 to Pullman Market on Maine. Council approved the consent agenda by a single motion and voice vote.

Reiter and council members discussed downtown vacancy and the need for meeting and performance space, mural restorations and volunteer recruitment; council members praised the association’s progress and outreach.

What happens next: The lodging-tax grants approved on the consent agenda will be administered by staff per standard LTAC procedures; DPA said it will continue outreach and solicit donations using the B&O tax-credit program.