Kent Downtown Partnership

The Kent Downtown Partnership (KDP) is a private, nonprofit business organization. It works as partnership between the downtown businesses, property owners, residents, City of Kent and the Kent Chamber of Commerce. The organization is led by Executive Director Jacquie Alexander.

As a member-based organization, the KDP is affiliated with the state and national Main Street Program, founded by the National Trust of Historic Preservation in 1977. The main purpose of this organization is to restore and revitalize the downtown core of the city. Kent is one of nine cities in this state to be awarded the national certification.

To accomplish its goals, the KDP follows the Four Points of the Main Street Program-Organization, including design, promotion and economic development. The KDP receives some government funding but relies mostly on volunteers and private contributions to carry out its vision and mission for downtown Kent.

Members of the KDP believe a strong, thriving downtown is important to everyone. It provides very real, tangible benefits to its residents, service providers, financial institutions, retail businesses, property owners, utilities and preservationists.