Downtown Development Authority (DDA)

The Downtown Development Authority (DDA) is a funding tool Downtown Grand Rapids Inc. administers to help catalyze public and private investment in Grand Rapids urban core. Funds go to help expedite private development projects, put underutilized property back to productive use, build streets and public infrastructure, as well as maintain and expand parks and other public amenities.

Established by the City Commission in 1980 under state law, the GR DDA’s principal source of funding is revenue generated by increasing property values within the DDA district. City Commission annually approves the DDA budget. A 9-member Board of Directors appointed by the Mayor with concurrence from City Commission govern the DDA. The Board meets monthly on the second Wednesday.

Board Members

  1. Richard A. Winn, Chair

    AHC Hospitality

  2. Mayor Rosalynn Bliss

    City of Grand Rapids

  3. Luis Avila

    Varnum

  4. Kayem Dunn

    Organizational Development Consultant

  5. Jermale Eddie

    Malamiah Juice Bar

  6. Greg McNeilly

    The Windquest Group

  7. Al Vanderberg

    Kent County Administrator

  8. Diana Sieger

    Grand Rapids Community Foundation

  9. Jen Schottke

    ABC Western Michigan

Upcoming Meeting Schedule

View Past Meetings
  1. No meetings currently scheduled.

Announcements

Fiscal Year 2023 Budget, As Proposed

The DDA Board on April 13, 2022 recommended its Fiscal Year 2023 Budget to City Commission, which approved the proposal on May 10, 2022. The DDA will consider adoption of the FY23 budget on May 11, 2022. The 2023 Fiscal Year runs from July 1, 2022 to June 30, 2023.

Fiscal Year 2022 Budget

The DDA Board on May 12, 2021 adopted the DDA's Fiscal Year 2022 budget. The City Commission approved the budget on May 11, 2021. The 2022 Fiscal Year runs from July 1, 2021 to June 30, 2022.

Development and Tax Increment Financing Plan

The DDA’s Development and Tax Increment Financing (TIF) Plan, required by state law, establishes the purposes and practices which guide how the DDA collects and uses revenues to catalyze investment in its district. The current plan was recommended by the DDA Board in October 2016 and approved by the Grand Rapids City Commission in December 2016.

Financial Audits

All financial audits are conducted in accordance with generally accepted auditing standards in the United States of America.

Annual Report to State of Michigan

The format of this report is presented consistent with state reporting standards.

Freedom of Information

Michigan's Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) ensures public access to government records. The DDA's FOIA Procedures and Guidelines describe the process and expectations for the public to submit formal requests information. If you seek something specific, give us a call. We will help you find it.