Resources

The MDA works cooperatively with other statewide agencies to further downtown development.

Downtown Muskegon

 The MDA has a variety of resources regarding best practices for downtown organization, downtown managers, board of directors, and stakeholders. 


Education

In person training

The Michigan Downtown Association (MDA) will lead, in person, downtown management organization board training sessions, 90 minutes in length,  in a member community during the summer and fall of 2025.  DDA staff, board, and municipal staff are encouraged to attend. 


MDA Professional Downtown Management Program

A professional development program for persons entering the downtown revitalization field to experienced professionals seeking recognition of excellence in skills and practice.  The program is the only one in Michigan dedicated to educating downtown management organization directors.


Downtown Management Training Series

A 10-part webinar series available 'on demand'. Perfect for downtown managers, board of directors and organizational team members.


In MI Downtown

The In Mi Downtown podcast channel features impactful projects and programs happening in downtowns throughout the State of Michigan.  Podcast topics include Public Art, Pocket Parks, Downtown Fire Recovery, Edible Downtown Gardens and more!


Workshops and Conferences

The MDA hosts two workshops and one Annual Conference each year.  The events are open to all who love downtowns! 


Member Presentations

Participants of our MDA Professional Downtown Management Program (MiPDM) produce Capstone Projects as part of the Program requirements.

  • Leveraging DDAs in Rural Communities
    • A 40-minute slide show presentation hosted by Nichole Lyke, Economic Development Coordinator for the Barry County Chamber & Economic Development Alliance, that explains what Downtown Development Authorities are and why DDAs are important economic development tools for rural communities.


  • Public Art Blueprint, Part 1
    • In this Podcast, learn how the Farmington Downtown Development Authority created a plan to increase the presence of art in its downtown.


  • Public Art Blueprint, Part 2
    • In this Podcast, learn how the Farmington DDA utilized its Public Art Blueprint to jump start the presence of public art in its downtown.



  • Hiring a DDA Director
    • The City of Caro recently created a full-time position for the Director of the Downtown Development Authority. Scott Csazak, City Manager of the City of Caro, explains the rationale, process, and benefits of creating the position.


  • Ann Arbor's Parking Rate Study Part 1
    • In this Podcast, we hear from members of the Ann Arbor Downtown Development Authority as they explain the goals of initiating a parking study for downtown and the development of the request for proposals.



  • The Impact of Public  Spaces on Economic Development in Downtowns
    • Nate Mack, director of the South Lyon DDA/Main Street Program, explores the importance of public spaces in downtown economic development. This paper provides downtown managers and stakeholders with the tools needed to successfully advocate for the implementation of public spaces downtown by building a broad coalition of support bolstered by economic data.


  • Plymouth's 5-Year Strategic Plan
    • In this podcast, Plymouth Downtown Development Authority director, Sam Plymale, discusses the process the DDA took to create a Strategic Plan along with the best practices he learned along the way.



  • A Timeline for a Downtown Infrastructure Project

    • Since first conceptualizing this project in the later Summer of 2019, the City of Wyandotte and Downtown Development Authority (DDA) worked diligently in the planning, design, and implementation of the Downtown Infrastructure Project (DIP). This project includes a complete reconstruction of downtown alleyways, parking lots, and utilities, creating vibrant public spaces and high-quality features. The concerted and comprehensive planning efforts have ensured that the project is feasible, practical, sustainable, and tremendously beneficial to the city’s property owners, business owners, residents and visitors. This is more than an infrastructure modernization and construction project; this is transformative economic development. The Capstone Project, by Joe Gruber, DDA Director for the City of Wyandotte, presents a detailed timeline of items of work completed and cove all aspects of planning, design, outreach, engagement, financing and marketing efforts led by the DDA Director.  Click here for a news article and here for supporting documents.


  • Artificial Intelligence in Downtown Development: A Comprehensive Guide and Sample Ethics Statement

    • The rapid advancement of Artificial Intelligence (AI) technologies presents both opportunities and challenges for Downtown Development Authorities (DDAs) in small cities and villages. As these communities strive to enhance their downtown areas with limited resources, AI offers a powerful tool set that can drive efficiency, improve decision-making, and create a more vibrant and sustainable downtown environment. This guide, written by Michelle Sponseller, serves as a roadmap for DDA directors to navigate the complexities of AI implementation, focusing on practical applications tailored to the unique needs of smaller communities.



Marketing and Promotions

The following Marketing resources are available for members of the MDA.  Please login to your MDA website account to access the following resources. 

Not a member? Join Now.

Instagram Take Overs

Downtown Day Resource Folder


Reporting and Law

PA 57 of 2018 

Annual Financial Reporting Form for Treasury

The Importance of Tax Increment Financing (TIF)

Webinar on DDA Reporting Requirements

Quick Check List of Reporting Requirements


The following Reporting and Law resources are available for members of the MDA.  Please login to your MDA website account to access the following resources. Not a member?


Best Practices for Legislator Visits

Template for Required Informational Meeting

Template for Annual Report

Infographics Explaining DDAs and Return on Investments


Administration

Members of the MDA may access a folder containing documents from Michigan downtown organizations.  Sample documents include: Purchase Policies, Bylaws, Zoning for Downtown, and more.  Not a member?



Links to Downtown Related Websites

Michigan Economic Developers Association

Michigan Economic Development Corporation


Michigan Historic Preservation Network 

Michigan Municipal League


For information regarding Michigan Main Street, a program managed by the Michigan Economic Development Corporation, please click here.

Please take advantage of the useful websites below, all of which can be of great help in downtown development!