Downtown Development Authorities (DDAs)
Downtown Development Authorities (DDAs) are a catalyst for developing a downtown. They are created to promote economic growth and revitalization, and to encourage historic preservation within a central business district. The DDA typically seeks to reverse historical population, jobs and business loss trends, and to improve the quality of life in the downtown area.
DDAs provide for a variety of funding sources including tax increment financing to fund public improvements in a designated downtown district, and to levy millage to address administrative expenses.
The Michigan Economic Development Corp. assigns each community a Community Assistance Team (CATeam) specialist to help with project coordination.
Click here to view a map of CATeam assignments and contact information.
DDA's Throughout the NLEA Region:
| County | Municipality | Contact | Phone Number |
| Antrim County | Elk Rapids | Bob Peterson | 231-264-9274 |
| Antrim County | Mancelona | Village Hall | 231-587-8331 |
| Charlevoix County | Boyne City | Hugh Conklin | 231-582-9009 |
| Charlevoix County | Charlevoix | Keith Carey | 231-547-3257 |
| Charlevoix County | East Jordan | Bob Anderson | 231-536-3381 |
| Cheboygan County | Cheboygan | Kirsten Guenther | 231-627-9931 |
| Cheboygan County | Tuscarora Twp. | Township Hall | 231-238-0970 |
| Emmet County | Alanson | Village Hall | 231-548-5431 |
| Emmet County | Mackinaw City | Don Beavers | 231-436-5351 |
| Emmet County | Pellston | Jim Gillett | 231-539-8264 |
| Emmet County | Petoskey | Becky Goodman | 231-622-8501 |
Michigan Main Street Program
The Main Street Program recognizes that the downtown business district of a community has traditionally been its heart, and the health of a community is dependent upon the vitality of this core district.
The Main Street Program is a four-point approach to economic revitalization and historic preservation for traditional downtowns. Created by the National Trust for Historic Preservation, the program is designed to guide communities in a grassroots effort to reinvigorate historic downtowns. Driven by volunteer efforts, the program can create an atmosphere of vitality and energy in downtowns, which can lead to real and lasting change.
The Michigan Main Street Program, established in 2003, is housed within the Michigan State Housing Development Authority’s Downtown and Community Service. Northern Michigan Main Street initiatives include:
- Photo: Boyne City Main Street began the program in 2004 and is a "master" level
- East Jordan is an “associate” member working towards the “select” level
- Elk Rapids is an “associate” member working towards the “select” level
Currently, Michigan has 16 communities at the Selected and Master Levels and 18 at the Associate Level. The Michigan Main Street Program would like to invite you and your community to learn more about the benefits of this program by applying upcoming Associate Level trainings click here.
NLEA’s Team of Economic Development Specialists can assist communities in finding the most effective approach to meet their needs. To learn more about our services and full range of community development solutions, please contact us at 231-582-6482, or by email.