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
A Strong Downtown Is the Heart of a Strong Community
What makes a downtown successful? That depends on who you ask! Your neighbor might say something like bustling storefronts and restaurants,...
Read MoreIs Your DDA Website Ready for an Audit?
Our friends at Civic Clarity Website Service by AccuNet Inc. discuss the reporting requirements found under Public Act 57 of 2018 for Michigan's...
Read MoreHappy Michigan Downtown Day!
Saturday, September 26th is Michigan Downtown Day, which celebrates the commercial, social, and economic importance of downtown and small...
Read MoreDowntown Howell Seek Director
The City of Howell is seeking a dynamic Downtown Executive Director. The Executive Director serves as the primary economic driver, advocate,...
Read More2026 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 ArchiveA Strong Downtown Is the Heart of a Strong Community
What makes a downtown successful? That depends on who you ask! Your neighbor might say something like bustling storefronts and restaurants,...
Read MoreIs Your DDA Website Ready for an Audit?
Our friends at Civic Clarity Website Service by AccuNet Inc. discuss the reporting requirements found under Public Act 57 of 2018 for Michigan's...
Read MoreDon’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,...
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