Based on community input, the Grand Rapids Downtown Development Authority created a Framework Plan for downtown improvements, presented in 2011. Enhancing and diversifying retail development was the overall number one priority. To meet the Framework Plan goals of enhanced retail, the plan recommended commissioning a Retail Merchandising Plan, which includes a Retail Market Analysis & Recruitment Strategy.
We are pleased to have engaged Robert Gibbs of
Gibbs Planning Group for this work, and invite the community to the following retail presentations:
Link to Flyer
Downtown Development Authority Executive Director Search
The Downtown Development Authority is currently accepting applications for the position of Executive Director. THis is a key leadership position in the community. For a complete description of this opportunity, please click here.
DDA Framework Plan
In 2010, the Grand Rapids Downtown Development Authoirty commissioned a participatory community visioning and priority-setting process to develop a Framework Plan for downtown.The Framework Plan presents an updated market-based vision for downtown, and, perhaps more importantly, provides a new construct for guiding DDA investments, decision-making and organizational structure. To download the DDA Framework Plan click here.
DDA Action Groups - Information Item and Application
The DDA Framework Plan recommends the establishment of three Action Groups to guide DDA investment and monitor progress in the Framework’s key focus areas of Economy, Environment and Experience. We envision five to seven members on each group and I invite you to help us identify prospective members.
Below we've provided some information about the action groups and an application for interested candidates. If you have an interest in being involved in an Action Group, please complete and return the form. Alternatively, we request that you circulate the form to capable people in your organization or network who would have an interest in helping to shape future DDA activities and investment.
Downtown Stakeholder Open Houses
Two open houses related to the DDA's Framing the Future planning processes were held on Tuesday, January 11, 2011. The PUMA team presented the findings from the Framework Plan, including results from community outreach, an evaluation of market conditions, and offer recommendations for future downtown initiatives and investments. Open House participants were be asked to help prioritize the final recommendations.
Top 10 Global Trends Affecting Downtowns and Implications for Downtown Grand Rapids
Below is a link to a presentation on "The Top 10 Global Trends Affecting Downtowns and Implications for Downtown Grand Rapids," by noted downtown development consultant Brad Segal of Progressive Urban Management Associates.
"Top 10 Global Trends Affecting Downtowns and Implications for Downtown Grand Rapids"
About the DDA
The Downtown Development Authority (DDA) is a development agency responsible for many improvements in the downtown area. DDA projects have contributed greatly to the growth and development of downtown. Using incremental property taxes collected from downtown properties, the DDA has financed many public improvements, which have led to unprecedented private investment.
Since 1980, the DDA has invested about $120 million in various improvement projects. This investment has leveraged, directly and indirectly, over $2 billion in private and institutional investment within the downtown area. The DDA has supported many notable projects, including the construction of the Van Andel Arena, expansion of the convention center (now known as DeVos Place), construction of the Interurban Transit Partnership's Rapid Station Transit Center, reconstruction of Monroe Center and Rosa Parks Circle, construction of Heartside Park, reconstruction of historic Ionia Avenue and many other downtown streets, and construction of the new Grand Rapids Art Museum.