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About the Historic Colfax Downtown Association

Who We Are The Historic Colfax Downtown Association is dedicated to preserving and promoting the historic charm of Colfax.

We believe in Colfax, California.

Not just as a small town with a proud past, but as a place with the potential to become a vital hub in Placer County. Colfax sits at the crossroads of history and opportunity — a Gold Rush and railroad town with stories etched into its streets, and a gateway that welcomes thousands of travelers each day along the I-80 corridor.

The Historic Colfax Downtown Association (HCDA) exists because we see what Colfax can be. Where others might see a town people pass through, we see a downtown waiting to come alive again — a place where locals gather, visitors stop and stay, and businesses thrive in the heart of the Sierra Foothills.

We are a grassroots nonprofit, powered by community spirit and the conviction that Colfax deserves more than nostalgia. Our work is about connecting past and future — honoring the heritage that defines us while creating the kind of downtown that can sustain families, attract investment, and bring pride to everyone who calls this place home.

At our core, we’re storytellers and bridge-builders. We connect people to the history that shaped this town and to the possibilities that lie ahead. We believe that when residents, businesses, and visitors come together, Colfax becomes more than a stop on the map — it becomes a destination, a gathering place, and a vital part of Placer County’s future.

That’s who we are: neighbors with a shared belief in Colfax, working together to write its next chapter.

The Historic Colfax Downtown Association's role in preserving Colfax's charm and boosting economic vitality.

What Makes HCDA Different

Colfax has more than one champion.

The Colfax Chamber of Commerce works across the region — from Alta to Meadow Vista — supporting businesses, building connections, and keeping our foothill economy strong. Their role is vital in making sure businesses of every size have a voice and a network.

The Historic Colfax Downtown Association (HCDA) works right at the core — within the city limits of Colfax, with a special focus on the historic downtown district. Our mission centers on preserving historic buildings, protecting Colfax’s character, and bringing new life to Main Street through grants, cultural events, and community projects.

The Chamber ensures businesses thrive across the region. HCDA ensures the historic heart of Colfax thrives for generations to come. Together, we create a stronger Colfax — one that values both its heritage and its future.


Our Goals

Economic Vitality
We’re working to make downtown Colfax a place where businesses grow, visitors stop, and neighbors connect. By honoring our Gold Rush and railroad roots, we’re positioning Colfax as a regional destination for commerce, tourism, and community life.

  • Attracting new businesses to fill historic storefronts and reduce vacancies.
  • Encouraging investment in adaptive reuse of historic buildings, such as the Colfax Hotel and Masonic Hall.
  • Supporting local entrepreneurs with events that draw customers downtown.
  • Partnering with Placer County and regional tourism groups to make Colfax part of the larger Sierra Foothills destination network.

Promotion
We shine a spotlight on what makes Colfax unique. From hosting festivals to promoting local businesses, we highlight the historic charm of our downtown and invite more people to shop, dine, and explore.

  • Producing destination events like the Colfax Bazaar and Brews & Grooves Fest that bring thousands downtown.
  • Running VisitHistoricColfax.com as the go-to site for events, history, and local business listings.
  • Collaborating with the Chamber of Commerce and the City to showcase Colfax at a regional level.
  • Positioning Colfax for national opportunities, such as the Levitt AMP Music Series grant, to put our town on the cultural map.

Design
We’re committed to preserving the beauty and character of downtown. By restoring historic buildings and enhancing public spaces, we’re creating a downtown that is as functional as it is inviting.

  • Leading efforts to restore landmark properties, including the Colfax Hotel and other underused historic sites.
  • Supporting public art and beautification projects, such as murals, wayfinding signage, and seasonal plantings.
  • Working alongside the City of Colfax on the Downtown Connectivity & Main Street Improvement Plan, which includes safer sidewalks, bike paths, and upgraded crosswalks.
  • Enhancing gathering spaces like Arbor Park and Lot of Art Park to make them more usable for events and families.

Outreach
Revitalization takes all of us. By connecting with residents, businesses, and community partners, we’re building momentum, inspiring volunteers, and ensuring Colfax’s downtown thrives for generations to come.

  • Building relationships with city, county, and regional leaders to align Colfax’s goals with broader economic and tourism strategies.
  • Hosting monthly community meetings to gather feedback and keep projects transparent.
  • Partnering with schools, artists, and nonprofits to bring programming and public art into downtown spaces.
  • Expanding volunteer opportunities that range from event support to beautification and grant writing.

Join Us in Revitalizing Colfax

The story of Colfax is still being written — and it takes all of us to shape its next chapter. Every volunteer hour, every sponsorship, every voice of support helps us move closer to a downtown that reflects both our history and our potential.

Whether you’re a resident, a business owner, or a visitor who has fallen in love with our small town, there’s a place for you in this work. Together, we can preserve the charm that makes Colfax special while building a vibrant future that will make the whole region proud.

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