Celebrating the People and Projects That Shape Michigan's Downtowns

We’ve said it before, and we’ll say it again: Great downtowns don't happen by accident.

Every vibrant streetscape, successful redevelopment project, bustling event, and thriving small business district represents years of planning, collaboration, and dedication. Behind every success story are professionals, volunteers, business owners, local officials, and community champions working together to strengthen their downtown.

Recognition allows us to pause, celebrate those accomplishments, and inspire others to continue investing in Michigan's downtowns.
 

Key Points:

  • Recognition inspires others to continue investing in Michigan's downtowns.
  • The Michigan Downtown Association (MDA) established the Annual Awards to celebrate Michigan downtowns and downtown leaders
  • The MDA is seeking nominations for the 2026 Annual Awards. Submissions must be in by September 8, 2026. 
  • Award winners will be announced during the MDA Annual Conference in downtown Kalamazoo on November 5-6, 2026. 
  • Every downtown is different. Every community has unique successes. Every story deserves to be told. The MDA Annual Awards are the best way to have these stories be heard. 
 

Why Recognition Matters

Downtown management often times gets overlooked. If you aren’t in the downtown world, it’s easy to not understand or fully know just how much time, effort, and energy go into making a thriving downtown. 

This is why the Michigan Downtown Association (MDA) established the Annual Awards. These awards are important because they:
  • Celebrate innovation
  • Highlight best practices
  • Recognize leadership
  • Build momentum
  • Encourage collaboration
  • Inspire other communities

Some past award winners include:
  • 2025 Best Downtown Project, Negaunee Downtown Enhancement Project, City of Negaunee & DDA
  • 2025 Best Community Connectivity, Highland Station Boardwalk, Highland Twp. DDA
  • 2024 Organization of the Year: Farmington DDA
  • 2024 Best Promotional Event: Main Street Block Party, Wixom DDA
  • 2023 Best Redevelopment Project: 1855 Holdings, Downtown South Lyon
  • 2023 Organization of the Year: Lapeer Main Street DDA

Recognition isn't just about looking back at what's been accomplished; it's about creating a roadmap for what's possible. Every downtown has a story worth sharing, and the MDA Annual awards tells just that! 
 

The MDA Annual Awards

The MDA is asking for nominations for our tenth Annual Awards for three different categories: Downtown Projects, Downtown Organization of the Year, and Downtown Director of the Year. 

Downtown Projects can fall into any of the following categories: 
  • Placemaking
  • Promotions & Marketing
  • Redevelopment Project
  • Infrastructure/Streetscape
  • Historic Preservation

Nominated projects can be completed by a downtown organization, city, or private developer within an MDA member community and will be evaluated for their impact on downtown and on the community.

Downtown Organization of the Year is an award given to an MDA member organization whose economic development impact was exemplary in the year 2025 through their organization and execution of a project(s).

Downtown Director of the Year is an award given to a Downtown Director from a MDA member community whose leadership was exemplary in the year 2025. 
Award winners will be recognized during the Annual Statewide Michigan Downtown Conference in Kalamazoo. 
 

Why Should You Nominate?

Recognition benefits everyone! It helps communities gain positive exposure, gives downtown organizations the ability to celebrate staff and volunteers, allows small businesses to receive additional visibility, and inspires other downtowns and future leaders.

Who Should You Nominate?

Now that we’ve convinced you to submit an Annual Award, let’s talk about who you can (and should) nominate. 

Ask yourself these questions:
  • Who revitalized a vacant building?
  • Who brought a creative event to life?
  • Who transformed a public space?
  • Who worked behind the scenes for years?
  • Who deserves more recognition?

When Do You Need to Nominate Someone By?

We’re so glad you asked. All submissions must be received by Tuesday, September 8, 2026.  Email nominations to director@michigandowntowns.com with "MDA Award Nominations" in the subject or postmarked letters sent to Michigan Downtown Association, P.O. Box 3591, North Branch, MI 48461. 

Sometimes the most deserving people aren’t the ones seeking recognition, but are the ones who deserve it the most. Don’t hesitate, and start thinking about your submission now. 
 

Final Thoughts: Looking Beyond the Awards

The MDA Annual Awards aren’t simply just an award to brag about (but we encourage you to do that); they share something much deeper and meaningful. 

These Annual Awards showcase people and projects that will:
  • Help to share ideas
  • Celebrate current and future successes
  • Strengthen not only the downtown management profession but also downtowns in general
  • Build statewide connections
  • Advance downtown development 

Every downtown is different. Every community has unique successes. Every story deserves to be told.
We encourage any and all submissions related to a project, organization, or leader that has made a meaningful impact in your downtown. You can learn more at our website.