ABOUT

DDA Mission Statement: The City of Adrian Downtown Development Authority is responsible to assist in the creation of a consumer friendly downtown that promotes historic preservation, property redevelopment and economic growth.

DDA Vision Statement: Downtown Adrian will be an attractive, mixed-use area of retail, office and residential space that is filled with distinctive, niche businesses that make downtown Adrian a destination.

Established in 1986, the authority is under the supervision and control of a board consisting of the chief executive officer of the municipality and no less than eight, or more than twelve, members as determined by the governing body of the municipality. The function of the authority is to propose, finance and implement public improvements in the downtown development district.

The Adrian Downtown Development Authority is ultimately responsible for the revitalization of the downtown district as it is defined by Adrian ordinance. The need to revitalize downtown commercial districts is clear. A healthy, viable downtown is crucial to the heritage, economic health and civic pride of the entire community for several reasons. A healthy downtown retains and creates jobs. A healthy downtown also means a stronger tax base; long-term revitalization establishes capable businesses that use public services and provide tax revenues for the community. A revitalized downtown increases the community's options for goods and services, whether for basic staples like food, clothing, and professional services or for less traditional functions such as housing or entertainment. Finally, revitalized downtowns are symbols of community caring and a high quality of life, factors that influence corporate decisions to locate to a community.

In order to assist in the revitalization of the downtown district in Adrian, the Adrian Downtown Development Authority has identified the following priorities in establishing a more vibrant downtown. The Adrian DDA is responsible for enhancing the visual quality of the business district. This means attention to all physical elements: buildings, storefronts, signs, public improvements, landscaping, merchandising displays, and promotional materials. The quality of the designed environment more than any other aspect demonstrates to the public the other qualities of the district. The DDA is also responsible for creating a positive image of the business district to attract customers and investors and rekindle community pride. Promotion includes the development of sophisticated, joint retail sales events, festivals and the creation of a consistent image through graphic and media presentation. Promotion also includes target selling of the district to investors, developers, and new businesses. Finally, the Adrian DDA is responsible for assisting in all aspects of economic restructuring, including strengthening the existing economic base of the business district while diversifying its economic base. Activities include retaining and expanding existing business, recruiting new businesses to provide a balanced mix, converting disused space into productive property and sharpening the competitiveness of Main Street's traditional merchants.

DDA Board of Directors Information

The Downtown Development Authority (DDA) is an appointed, twelve-member board.   Board members serve four-year terms.  The DDA's mission is to attack the problems of decline in the downtown, strengthen what is there and encourage new development in the downtown area.

The DDA is governed by a ten-member board of directors and is chaired by Nelson Douglass. The Board members represent businesses, property owners, and residents of the community. The twelve member board is appointed by the mayor for staggered four year terms, and is made up of the following members:

DDA Board Members

Gary McDowell, Mayor City of Adrian
Nelson Douglass, Chair - Sky Bank
Bruce Webb, Vice Chair - Bank of Lenawee
Mike Kapnick, Treasurer - Persnickety
Pi Benio - Adrian College and downtown property owner
Dr. Jeffrey Docking - Adrian College
Charles "Chip" Moore, Jr. - Adrian Insurance
Mary Scott - Community Member
Sandy Wedemeyer - Off the Wall
Jeff Willet - Jeff Willet's Powerhouse Gym

The Adrian Downtown Development Authority Board and the Adrian Commission direct the Adrian Downtown Development Authority and its activities.

DDA Board Meetings

DDA meetings are scheduled for the second Wednesday of each month at 8:00 a.m., 2nd floor of Adrian City Hall, 100 East Church Street, Adrian, Michigan.

LOOK CLOSER