DOWNTOWN ALPENA
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DDA Information

​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. 


the downtown district

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guiding documents

2004 Development & TIF Plan
2017 DDA strategic plan
Alpena DDA BY-LAWS
2019 STRATEGIC PLANNING REPORT
Michigan Open Meetings Act

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.

Tuesday, March 14, 2023
Please note that meeting has been pushed back a week from our regular monthly meeting time

Location: Alpena City Hall Council Chambers with option to join virtually
Tuesday, April 11, 2023 | 3:00 pm
Please note that meeting has been pushed back a week from our regular monthly meeting time

Location: Alpena City Hall Council Chambers with the option to join virtually

Tuesday, May 2, 2023 | 3:00 pm

Location: Alpena City Hall Council Chambers with option to join virtually
Meeting Agenda
PRIOR MEETING MINUTES

informational meetings

2022: The DDA held its two informational meetings on December 6, 2022 at 2:00 pm and December 15, 2022 at 5:30 pm to inform the public of the projects accomplished in the last year and priorities moving forward. Meetings were held in City Hall Council Chambers (208 N. First Ave) with the option to join virtually. You can view a recording of the presentation here or view the slideshow here.
2021: The DDA held two informational meetings on December 15, 2021 at 4 pm & December 17 at 11 am to inform the public of the projects accomplished in the last year and priorities moving forward. Meetings were held in person at City Hall Council Chambers (208 N. First Ave) with the option to join virtually. You can view a recording of the presentation here or view the slideshow here. 
2020: The DDA held two informational meetings on December 14 & December 17, 2020 to inform the public of projects accomplished in the last year and priorities moving forward. You can view a recording of the presentation by clicking here. 

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, Director of Economic Development, Alpena Area Chamber of Commerce 
Matt Wojda, Vice- Chairman, Attorney, White & Wojda
Todd Britton, Owner, Meridian Contracting Services, LLC
Jennifer Calery, Public Relations & Communications Consultant, Cinnaire
Corey Canute,  Co-owner, Red Brick Tap & Barrel
Cristi Johnson,  Owner, skellaFiT Personal Training Studio
Nicholas Lusardi, Alpena High School student (via Government for Tomorrow)
Quintin Meek, Senior Account Executive, Lappan Agency
​Rachel Smolinski,  Alpena City Manager
​
Anne Gentry, Executive Director, Alpena DDA (ex-officio)


Interested in serving as a DDA Committee or Board Member? Please contact Executive Director Anne Gentry for more information at anneg@alpena.mi.us or 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.

Meets every 4th Tuesday of the month at 12:00pm

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.

Meets every 3rd Friday of the month at 8:00am

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

Meets every 4th Thursday of the month at 9:30am

​


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.

Meets every 2nd Wednesday of the month at noon

Authority Staff

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Anne Gentry
​ 
Executive Director
anneg@alpena.mi.us
​(989) 356-6422
Anne Gentry has been Executive Director of the Alpena Downtown Development Authority since Spring 2017, where she manages day-to-day operations and leads execution of DDA goals, programs, and strategies. She graduated from Brown University with a Bachelor of Arts in Comparative Literature, with a concentration on English and Italian literature. She has also studied in Bologna, Italy and in Adelaide, South Australia. Previous to working at the DDA, she worked as Visitor Experience Manager at Thunder Bay National Marine Sanctuary in Alpena before receiving her teaching certificate in English as a Second Language in Adelaide, South Australia. She also serves as a board member for Thunder Bay Theatre in Alpena and Michigan Downtown Association, a statewide association for downtown revitalization.
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Savannah Peterson
Parking Ambassador
downtownalpenami@gmail.com
(989) 356-6422
Savannah Peterson has been the Parking Ambassador for the DDA since February 2019, where she monitors downtown parking. Savannah graduated from Alcona High School and recently completed her Associate's Degree in Law Enforcement from Alpena Community College. In her free time, she enjoys hunting, fishing, and spending time with family. 
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Kady Gehrke
Marketing & Outreach Coordinator
kadyg@alpena.mi.us
Kady Gehrke is starting her role as Marketing & Outreach Coordinator for the Alpena DDA this winter 2021. She is currently finishing up her degree in Communication, Culture, and Media with Spanish and French minors at Michigan Technological University this spring!  She was born and raised in Alpena, MI and is excited to come back and be a part of helping the town thrive. Some of her hobbies include spending time with family and friends, knitting, spending time outdoors, and running sled dogs while at school!

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;
  • A 1.98 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. 
DDA CURRENT Budget
Annual Audit (City + DDA)

​The DDA has contracts with the following companies:
  • Northern Cleaning & Maintenance, for cleaning of DDA Office & lawn care.
​

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. 
2021 ANNUAL REPORT
2020 Annual report
2019 Annual Report
2018 Annual Report

Alpena Downtown Development Authority (DDA)

124 E. Chisholm St.
Alpena, MI  49707
(989) 356-6422
Our Downtown
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Facade Grants
Fresh Waves
Social District


Grow Your Business
Available Properties
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For Merchants
Recruitment Grant

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  • Our Downtown
    • Testimonials
    • In the Media
  • Plan Your Visit
    • Arts + Culture
    • Food + Drink
    • Shopping >
      • Apparel + Accessories
      • Books
      • Home + Gift
      • Fitness + Outdoor Recreation
      • Specialty Shops
    • Events >
      • Alpena Ice Festival
      • Shades of Fall
      • Restaurant Week
  • Grow Your Business
    • Available Properties
    • Grants + Incentives
    • For Merchants
  • DDA Info
    • PROPOSED BOUNDARY EXPANSION
    • Programs + Projects >
      • Alpena Downtown Ambassador Program
      • Downtown Beautification
      • Downtown Dollars
      • Downtown Street Performers
      • Facade Grants
      • Fresh Waves Mural Project
      • Retail Recruitment Grant
      • Social District
      • Social Media Boosted Post Matching Program
    • Press
    • Contact Us
  • Parking