MANISTEE, MICH. - Downtowns form the heart of nearly every city, town, and village. They are where small businesses thrive, and the sense of community is strongest. In many places, the fortunes of the downtown mirror those of the entire community— when the downtown prospers, so does the whole town; when it is in a state of decline, everyone feels the impact. The City of Manistee is no exception. The vitality of our downtown is directly linked to the well-being of our entire community. It is not surprising, given the significance of downtowns, that communities create entire entities to support prosperity in downtowns: this is where a Downtown Development Authority comes in. 

 

A Downtown Development Authority (DDA) is a special entity created by a local government to collect and reinvest tax dollars within a defined downtown area. The main purpose of establishing a DDA is to promote private investment, ultimately leading to a more vibrant and prosperous community. For the City of Manistee, the DDA was created to promote and support the vitality of the downtown and encourage private investment. 

 

The Manistee DDA's efforts are focused on three key objectives: 

• promoting economic growth
• creating an attractive and identifiable downtown
• strengthening local businesses and community involvement

These objectives are at the heart of everything we do, and the results of our work benefit not just the businesses within the DDA district but all residents of Manistee County. The Manistee DDA is administered by the Manistee Area Chamber of Commerce, whose priorities include Downtown Revitalization. However, the DDA is its own entity: where the Manistee Area Chamber serves the business needs of all in Manistee County, the Manistee DDA is dedicated to Downtown Manistee specifically. Manistee's downtown district, as established by Chapter 282 in the City’s Code of Ordinance that created the DDA, is bounded by Spruce Street to the west, Jones Street to the east, First Street to the south, and Second Avenue to the north.

In actively working toward its goals and objectives, the DDA relies on a Tax Increment Financing (TIF) for funding. TIF is increased property tax revenues within a designated area. For the DDA, this area is the defined Downtown District. As the financial backbone of the DDA, TIF funds are essential for supporting vital programs. These funds are strategically allocated to prevent and reverse the deterioration of downtown areas, playing a significant role in historic preservation and infrastructure enhancements. This approach ensures that Downtown Manistee is well-positioned for long-term growth and sustainability.

One way the Manistee DDA is achieving these goals is through our Facade Improvement Program. This program helps building owners do repairs and other projects on the exterior of their buildings by giving them grant dollars. The program operates on a 50/50 match basis, meaning that for every dollar the DDA invests, a private investor must match it. These enhancements make our downtown more appealing to visitors and residents, encouraging further investment. The application period for the current facade program began on August 14th. Applications can be found on the DDA website. Interested business and building owners must submit their application before Tuesday, October 15, 2024, to be considered for the current fiscal year.

It’s the little things that count. Through our Streetscape and Downtown Beautification efforts, we work closely with the city's Department of Public Works to add decorative touches like banners, flower boxes, and outdoor seating along River Street. These improvements may seem small, but they collectively create a welcoming atmosphere that draws people into our downtown area. A more beautiful downtown means more foot traffic, which benefits local businesses and creates a stronger sense of community.

Another exciting initiative under the DDA’s umbrella is The ‘Stee’ Social District. This innovative program allows patrons of local restaurants to carry their beverages as they explore the designated downtown areas. By enhancing the dining and social experience, the Social District encourages people to spend more time and money in our downtown, directly benefiting local businesses. This program creates a lively and vibrant downtown atmosphere that is enjoyable for everyone. 

The Manistee Downtown Development Authority is about creating a thriving downtown that serves as the heart of our community, where businesses can flourish, residents can enjoy a higher quality of life, and visitors are drawn to experience all that Manistee offers. As we continue to pursue these objectives, we invite you to join us in supporting the ongoing revitalization and growth of downtown Manistee. 

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Andrew Stafford is the Director of Economic Development at the Manistee Area Chamber of Commerce and the Manistee Downtown Development Authority. He can be reached at Development@manisteechamber.com.