Michigan Downtown Association

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Marquette Conference

Save the date!

Our summer conference will be held in beautiful downtown Marquette on July 10th, 2009. Check back soon for more information about the conference site, topics, speakers and events.
We're looking forward to meeting with all of our Upper Penninsula colleagues.

Marquette Conference Brochure

MDA Announces New Director

The MDA Board is excited to announce that Sara Jezewski Folland, formerly of the Hamtramck and Ionia DDA's, has agreed to serve as the new Executive Director for the Michigan Downtown Association. Sara's experience running a DDA, as well as her academic background - a Master's in Historic Preservation from Eastern Michigan University and a BS in Political Science from Lake Superior State University - provide her with the skills and knowledge needed for this position.

"I am looking forward to working with Michigan downtowns and contributing to the continued success of the Michigan Downtown Association," Folland said.

What is the MDA?

The Michigan Downtown Association was formed to encourage good development, redevelopment and improvement of communities throughout the State of Michigan, with special emphasis on downtown areas within the State.

MDA members include any person, organization or government body within the State of Michigan that supports economic development including:

Downtown Development Authorities
Cities, Townships and Villages
Tax Increment Finance Authorities
Engineering and consulting firms

In addition, the MDA is determined to offer the opportunity for membership at a cost that is easily affordable to all interested parties. As shown on the membership form, dues are based on your organization’s budget.

Goals of the MDA:

To provide a forum for its members on revitalization issues.
To educate its members, the general public, State legislators and other public officials about the best tools for the improvement of communities.
To promote and encourage the implementation of effective, comprehensive legal and financing instruments to further such improvement.
To study current legislation and develop new legislation strategies.
To perform studies on the effectiveness of revitalization efforts.
To assist member communities in interacting and networking with one another.
To work cooperatively with other statewide agencies to further downtown development.

Benefits of belonging to the MDA:

Participation in quarterly educational seminars and other educational programs.
Access to a public forum involving members and development professionals, the general public, State legislators and other public officials.
Access to a public forum for members to share knowledge, common experience and problems facing the downtown areas within the State.
Opportunities for input toward a statewide legislative agenda supported and promoted by the MDA.
Help with understanding the implementation of effective, comprehensive legal and financing techniques and devices to further development, particularly the use of tax increment financing.
Receive a quarterly newsletter updating current MDA activities, goals and programs.
Access to a contact person who may answer questions you have.
Networking opportunities with other members via e-mail distribution system.