ALPENA DOWNTOWN DEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY

​our mission

The mission of the Alpena Downtown Development Authority is to promote positive economic, physical and aesthetic changes in Downtown Alpena. The Alpena DDA was established in 1980, enabled by the Michigan Public Act 197 of 1975, City of Alpena Ordinance and governed by the DDA by-laws. 

According to Act 197 of Public Act 1975, the mission of the Alpena DDA is to:

• Correct and prevent deterioration within the established DDA district;
• To encourage historic preservation;
• To acquire and dispose of interests in real and personal property;
• To create and implement development plans in the district;
• To promote the economic growth of the district.

The Alpena DDA district was expanded in 1988, 1989, and in 2004. The DDA is guided by its most recent Strategic Plan + Market Analysis (2017) which was developed through many months of study and public input sessions.

In 2019, the DDA also conducted a Strategic Planning Session with its board members, committee members, and staff to review progress on established priority projects and to set priorities for the upcoming year. 

guiding documents

2004 Development & TIF Plan

2017 DDA strategic plan

Alpena DDA BY-LAWS

2019 STRATEGIC PLANNING REPORT

BOARD MEETING SCHEDULE

The Alpena DDA Board of Directors meets on the first Tuesday of every month at 3:00 pm in City Hall Council Chambers. All board meetings are open to the public with the opportunity for public comment at the start of the meeting. For more information about what will be talked about this month's meeting or to see what the board has talked about in the past, click the buttons below.

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August 5, 2020 | 3:00 pm
​Location:  City Council Chambers

Note: Our August Board Meeting will not be held at the normally scheduled meeting date. It is scheduled for Wednesday, August 5, 2020.

September 1, 2020 | 3:00 pm
​Location: TBD

October 6, 2020 | 3:00 pm
​Location: TBD

PRIOR MEETING MINUTES

DDA BOARD MEMBERS

The DDA is governed by a Board of Directors, which is composed of individuals with downtown's best interests in mind. 

Mike Mahler, Chairman, Former President & CEO of First Federal of Northern Michigan
Matt Wojda, Vice- Chairman, Attorney, White & Wojda
Todd Britton, Owner, Meridian Contracting Services, LLC
Aaron Buza, Owner, Downtown Scoops
Joanna Cooper, Owner, Fletcher Street Depot
Griffin James, Owner, The Local Basket Case
Kyrie Momrik, Manager, AMC State Theatre
​Rachel Smolinski,  Alpena City Manager
Shawn Straley, Owner, Master-LaLonde Shoes

Anne Gentry, Executive Director, Alpena DDA (ex-officio)

AUTHORITY STAFF

Anne Gentry
​ Executive Director
anneg@alpena.mi.us
​(989) 356-6422

Kingsli Kraft
Marketing & Outreach Coordinator
kingslik@alpena.mi.us
​(989) 354-1792

Savannah Peterson
Parking Ambassador
downtownalpenami@gmail.com
(989) 356-6422

DDA COMMITTEES

The Alpena DDA has four standing committees which meet monthly and are outlined below. DDA Committees work to implement the tasks and goals of the Strategic Plan and report to the Board of Directors for final action.

Design & Beautification Committee 
Works to create a safe, physically sound, inviting atmosphere for shoppers, workers, and visitors.  Pays attention to all of its physical elements: public and private buildings, storefronts, signs, public spaces, parking areas, street furniture, public art, landscaping, merchandising, and window displays. Oversees the Facade Grant program.

Economic Development
Works to strengthen downtown’s existing economic assets while diversifying its economic base. The goal is to build a commercial district that responds to the needs of today’s consumers through attracting new businesses and assisting current ones.

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Promotions & Marketing Committee
Works to support positive economic development by strengthening the image and identity of downtown Alpena through facilitating, implementing, and promotion downtown events, activities, and programs. 



Parking Committee
The parking committee continues to review the downtown parking plan for all day and two hour parking and to create parking plans that respond to downtown’s needs.

THE DOWNTOWN DISTRICT

FINANCIALS

The Alpena DDA receives the majority of its revenues from two sources:

• Tax Increment Funding (TIF), which goes towards downtown projects and improvements according to our TIF plan;
• 2 millages, a special assessment levied on downtown properties which goes towards the DDA’s operational costs.

The DDA’s budget has two funds, Fund 216 (TIF) and Fund 217. Our fiscal year runs July 1 through June 30. 

FY19/20 Budget

Annual Audit (City + DDA)

​The DDA has contracts with the following companies:

• Northern Cleaning & Maintenance, for cleaning of DDA Office & lawn care.

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ACCOMPLISHMENTS, PROJECTS & PLANS

The Alpena DDA is proud to develop and implement various projects, promotions, and events to improve the downtown district, as guided by our 2004 TIF Plan, 2017 Strategic Plan, and the work of our committees.

View a list of our accomplishments, events, and ongoing projects by clicking here. 

2019 Annual Report

2018 Annual Report