Resources

The MDA works cooperatively with other statewide agencies to further downtown development.
Downtown Muskegon
Resources for downtown managers, board of directors, and stakeholders.
Education
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.
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- In Mi Downtown 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.
- 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 jumpstart the presence of public art in its downtown.
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?
Downtown Day Resource Folder
Reporting and Law
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
Administration
Members of the MDA may access a folder containing documents from Michigan downtown organizations. Sample documents include: Purchase Policies, Bylaws, and more. Not a member?
Links to Downtown Related Websites
Michigan Economic Developers Association
Michigan Economic Development Corporation
Michigan Historic Preservation Network
Please take advantage of the useful websites below, all of which can be of great help in downtown development!
- Community Economic Developers Association of Michigan (CEDAM)
- Congress for the New Urbanism
- Eco City Builders
- Historical Society of Michigan
- International Council of Shopping Centers
- International Downtown Association
- Local Government Commission
- Michigan Chamber of Commerce
- Michigan Department of Transportation
- Michigan Legislature
- Michigan Retailers Association: Buy Nearby
- Mich. Small Business & Tech. Dev. Center
- National League of Cities
- National Trust Main Street Center
- Project for Public Spaces
- SE Michigan Council of Governments