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
Membership in 2025
230
New Members in 2025
7
Educational Opportunities in 2025
10
Increased MDA Facebook Reach
79.2%
Legislative Visits in 2025
65
Headlines
Cadillac Seeks Community Development Director
The City of Cadillac is seeking a Community Development Director.
Read MoreSault Ste Marie Downtown Development Specialist
The City of Sault Ste. Marie is now accepting applications for a Downtown Development Specialist to join the team and help revitalize...
Read MoreBellaire DDA Banner Installation
2024 Achievements
225 Members
5 New MiPDM Participants
In-Person DDA Board Trainings
Quarterly Legislative Update to Members
80 In Person Legislator Visits
10 Business Associate Members
300+ Event Attendees
Mobile Tours & Networking Opportunities Expanded
MDA Blog News & Blog Archive
Creating an Engaging Downtown Website: Best Practices for Community Connection
A great website isn’t just an online presence—it’s the heartbeat of your downtown community. Whether you’re promoting...
Read MoreStrategic Planning for Downtowns
What is Strategic Planning? Strategic planning is a way for downtown or district organizations to decide where they want to go in the future...
Read MoreUnlock the Potential of Your DDA Website
Discover how a dedicated website can revolutionize your efforts for engagement, visibility, and efficiency & save you time!
Read MoreLooking For Ways To Tackle Michigan's Housing Crisis?
Our friends at McKenna provide examples of Michigan communities working on the current housing 'crisis'.
Read More