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

BOARD MEETING SCHEDULE

The DDA Board meets on the first Tuesday of every month at 3 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 talked about this month's meeting  or to see what the board has talked about in the past, click the buttons below.
​3:00 pm | February 4, 2020
​​​Location: Alpena City Hall
​ 208 N. 1st Ave.
3rd Floor City Council Chambers
​3:00pm | March 3, 2020
​Location: Alpena City Hall
​ 208 N. 1st Ave.
3rd Floor City Council Chambers

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)

The Alpena DDA has five established committees, four of which are based on the National Main Street Program. The tasks and goals of the strategic plan are implemented by the work of these committees, who report to the board for final action.

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

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. 

​The DDA has contracts with the following companies:​

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. 

Alpena Downtown Development Authority (DDA)

124 E. Chisholm St.
Alpena, MI  49707
(989) 356-6422

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