Downtown Development Authority

 About the Downtown Development Authority

The DDA was established in 1982 and is overseen by the Mayor and a 7-12 member board appointed by the City Commission. It is the responsibility of the DDA Board to define the downtown district and provide for all other matters within the district.

Focus: Infrastructure & Marketing

The DDA’s main focus is to facilitate economic development for the downtown district.

The DDA engages in building and maintaining:

• Parking lots
• Street lighting
• Traffic signals
• Parks
• Other streetscape features

Projects to facilitate economic development in the DDA district are not limited to physical improvements and upkeep. The DDA also engages in marketing activities such as the development of this website, social media accounts, the creation of walking maps and the perennial favorite, Music In the Air Concerts, on Friday evenings during the summer.

DDA Frequently Asked Questions

DDA Boundary Map

Meetings

DDA meetings are held on the second Monday of every month at 7 p.m. in the City Commission Chambers at City Hall, 201 S. Main St.

Recent DDA Accomplishments

• Central Parking Deck ramp maintenance (Oct 2025)
• Addition of state-of-the-art concert stage (May 2025)
• Replacement of Kellogg Park holiday tree (Apr 2025)
• New municipal parking lot at Ann Arbor Trail/Deer with EV chargers (2024)
• Addition of security cameras at Central Parking Deck (2024)

Current/Ongoing DDA Projects/Programs

• DTPForward Downtown Streetscape Upgrade Design
• Phase III of the Plymouth Art Walk with partners Tony Roko, the Art Foundation, the Plymouth Community Arts Council
• Annual Projects/Programs
  • Liaison on all downtown events, happenings
  • Liaison efforts with downtown businesses
  • Memorial Bench Program
  • Adopt-A-Planter Program
  • Light Pole Banner Program
  • Fleet Street Trash Collection Contract Administration
  • Outdoor Dining (Apr 1 - Nov 1)
  • Valet Parking (Nov 1 - Mar 31)
  • Monthly calendar/eNewsletter
  • Website, social media
• Annual DDA Organized Events
  • Spring Artisan Market
  • Music in the Air Summer Friday Night Concerts
  • Michigan Downtown Day
  • Main St Blvd Tree Lighting & Salvation Army Red Kettle Kick Off
  • Santa's City of Plymouth Parade
• Annual Infrastructure Maintenance/Improvements
  • Pedestrian crossings
  • Parking inventory/surface
  • Tree health evaluation/replacement, tree grates, alternative surfacing
  • Brick repair
  • Holiday lighting
  • Central Parking Deck engineering review/maintenance

Future DDA Projects

• Central Parking Deck major renovation (spring 2026)
• Kellogg Park improvements (i.e., turf management, tree health, event space activation)
• Increased pedestrian safety including more crosswalks, pedestrian crossing signals, even sidewalks
• Increase public parking inventory
• Increase bicycle parking downtown
• Activate alleys and sidewalks
• Explore public art opportunities
• Streetscape upgrade design phased implementation

DDA Strategic Plan

DDA Board Members

If you are interested in serving on this, or any other board, please complete a Volunteer Resume and submit it to the City Manager’s Office.

DDA Staff

The DDA office is located at 831 Penniman (in alley between Penniman and Fleet, see map below)
(734) 455-1453