Downtown is a densely settled commercial core of a community that serves as its social and economic center.
Photo Credit: Downtown Muskegon, MI
Downtown acts as a key defining feature of a community's overall sense of place.
Photo Credit: Downtown Frankenmuth, MI
Downtown is multi-functional with places to shop, work, dine, live, worship, and enjoy a variety of cultural offerings.
Photo Credit: Downtown Farmington
Calls To Action
Strengthening Downtowns
Total Membership
209
New Members
12
Educational Opportunities
16
Quarterly Social Media Reach
14,000
Legislative Visits
55
Headlines
A Primer on Downtown Master Plans
This podcast is part I or II dealing with the value of downtown master plans and important factors including, market trends, design guidelines,...
Read MoreEast Lansing RFP
The East Lansing Downtown Development Authority (DDA) is seeking the professional services of a facilitator to help assess the current organizational...
Read MoreNorthville Seeks Assistant DDA Director
The Assistant Director is responsible for professional planning, marketing, administration and organizational support to the Executive Director...
Read MoreDowntown Alpena & Workshop Highlighted!
The MDA will be in downtown Alpena on June 1 and 2 for our Annual Summer Workshop. Hear all the details of the workshop and what to do...
Read More2023 Achievements
8 New MiPDM Participants
Downtown Social District Webinar
Brownfield Overview
Quarterly Legislative Update to Members
40+ In Person Legislator Visits
Increased Content to MDA YouTube Channel
8 Business Associate Members
70+ Spring Workshop Attendees
MDA Blog
Benefits of Using Warm White LED Area and Street Lighting
As cites expand, so does the need for street and area lighting. However, the unintended consequence of light pollution has become a growing...
Read MoreReading Downtown Master Plan: High Time for Change
A major challenge to urban planning and economic development is timing. Is a steady stream of patrons and access to new pots of money enough...
Read MoreA New Chapter For A Detroit Business
A small business microloan helped Ne’Gyle, the owner of Bleu Bowtique in Downtown Detroit, start a new chapter for his men’s...
Read MoreMaking Great Places, East Jordan Downtown
Master Planning at a Crossroads At the time of writing its Master Plan, East Jordan was at a crossroads. Redevelopment opportunities were...
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