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 2026
230
New Members in 2026
5
Educational Opportunities in 2026
30
Increased MDA Facebook Reach
79.2%
Legislative Visits in 2026
80
Headlines
Don’t Reinvent the Wheel: How Downtowns Can Learn From Each Other
Being in the MDA world, we are sure you’ve heard us say, “R&D.” And no, we aren’t secretly scientists waiting...
Read MoreMunising Seeks Executive Director
The Executive Director provides leadership for two closely connected community organizations: Greater Munising Bay Partnership for Commerce...
Allen Park Seeks Director
Serves as Director and CEO of the DDA and functions as the point person for economic development and business attraction strategies for...
Read MoreNorthville Seeks DDA Assist Director
The Assistant Director is responsible for professional planning, marketing, administration and organizational support to the Executive Director...
Read MoreVillage of Bellaire Downtown Developement Authority Welcomes new DDA Director
2026 Achievements
230 Members
6 New MiPDM Participants
8 In-Person DDA Board Trainings
Quarterly Legislative Update to Members
Retained Services of Midwest Strategy Group
70 In Person Legislator Visits
15 Business Associate Members
150+ Event Attendees
MDA Blog
News & Blog ArchiveDon’t Reinvent the Wheel: How Downtowns Can Learn From Each Other
Being in the MDA world, we are sure you’ve heard us say, “R&D.” And no, we aren’t secretly scientists waiting...
Read MoreLooking for a Liquor License? There May Be a Smarter, More Affordable Way
If you're planning to open or already own a restaurant, bar, entertainment venue, or hotel in a downtown or redevelopment area in Michigan,...
Read MoreCelebrating 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...
Investing in People: Why Continuing Education Matters for Michigan's Downtown Professionals
Michigan downtowns are always evolving. Economic shifts, new community events, and legislative changes are just a few reasons why downtowns...
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