Go Local Montavilla!

Montavilla has a long history and identity. Montavilla (pronounced like Godzilla) was a popular place to live at the end of the 19^th century.  A streetcar line that traveled up East Glisan with a trolley stop on Stark brought growth and development along the streetcar line. It was a town within a city – with a post office, bank, blacksmith, and businesses selling groceries and other goods.

The business district, which now includes four sectors – East Glisan, 82^nd Avenue, Stark Street East, and Historic Downtown –  has undergone revitalization in the last 15 years. The 300+ businesses that make up the district are overwhelmingly locally owned and operated. Many business owners and their employees live in and around Montavilla. This makes for strong community.

Montavilla businesses give regularly to local events and causes. They donate goods and money to school and church fundraisers and financially support the Street Fair, Jazz Fest, and Montavilla Farmers Market among others.

You can reaffirm this value in strong communities by giving support to our local businesses. Supporting local business is one of the best ways to grow and sustain a thriving neighborhood economy and to ensure that Montavilla’s future is as vibrant as its history.

What can you do? Go Local Montavilla!

• Expand your awareness. Ramble around and check out businesses you’ve never been to. Start by visiting Biz to get information on local food and drink, health and wellness, retail and other services.
• Reflect on your current shopping habits. Are there things you are buying outside the neighborhood that are available right here?
• Participate in business district events. The business district is a community hub. Visit the calendar of events at Biz and come out with your friends and family.
• Buy local goods and services. When you do, 70% of every dollar stays in the local economy.

When local residents and local businesses invest in each other, it enriches and strengthens the community. Businesses with membership in the business association are listed below. We hope you’ll visit them soon.