Philomath is looking down the road for help with its downtown. Literally.
The city is exploring an agreement with the Downtown Corvallis Organization to attract more businesses, pursue grants, and give people in general more reasons to visit.
(Photo: Open Streets Corvallis/June 28, 2026/The Corvallis Inquirer)
Darth Vader and Boba Fett understood the value of bringing in outside help. It was a strictly professional, transactional relationship between employer and employee. They coexisted so well that they even attended Open Streets Corvallis together this summer.
Maybe that’s kind of like what this new possible relationship will be? Or maybe we just needed an excuse to use that photo. Maybe that’s an Imperial TIE Fighter Pilot and Mandalorian Din Djarin. Either way...
Philomath City Manager, Chris Workman, wrote in a recent report to his own City Council that he had been meeting with the organization’s board president and newly hired executive director.
“An agreement with DCO would give the city immediate access to professional practitioners focused on promoting and building a more vibrant downtown,” Workman wrote.
His comments were identified in the November 9th Philomath City Council packet as a staff update. There was no proposed price, contract length, or date for a council decision.
Outside of Philomath seeking services, it seems like the Downtown Corvallis Organization’s board could outfit you, cut your hair, caffeinate you, and still get you to dinner.
A majority of its directors have owned or founded downtown businesses. Vice President Jill Reed owns Raw Hair Society, Secretary Danielle Lewis co-owns Castor and Lucca Taverna, and Treasurer Kourtni Rader co-founded Seoul Sisters Boutique.
At-large directors Bryon Neal Daniels, Kate Dillon, and Nicole Nystrom own Greenhouse Coffee + Plants, Lady Luck Vintage Market, and The Clothes Tree.
The group puts on the CorkVallis Wine Walk and the waterfront holiday tree lighting, organizes monthly cleanups, and promotes First Fridays.
“DCO’s model depends on businesses, residents, volunteers, sponsors, other nonprofits, and city partners working together,” the group said in its September 8th presentation to the Corvallis City Council.
The group also has experience with a program Philomath wants advice on. A statewide network known as Oregon Main Street.
Oregon Main Street is a program that helps communities revitalize their downtowns. It’s run by the Oregon Parks and Recreation Department, and offers training and technical assistance to participating downtown organizations.
Communities in the network can apply for grants to improve buildings, such as restoring storefronts or renovating spaces for new businesses.
Helping a neighbor and sharing resources is good citizenship, right?
Just return them in time for First Friday.
This article was written by Jackson Hayes, a contributor to The Corvallis Inquirer. Feel free to send us your stories or articles to publish at: editor@corvallisnow.com
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Uh, excuse me. That’s not Darth Vader and Boba Fett. 🤓 It’s an Imperial TIE Fighter Pilot and Mandalorian Din Djarin.
The Philomath Farmers Market is on Sunday, but it's impossible to do from Corvallis without a car, because the Philomath bus doesn't run on Sundays. Perhaps they think only near-do-wells ride the bus.