Downtown ResourcesGrand Rapids Downtown AllianceSuccessful downtowns need to be distinctive and distinct.Throughout the past decade, downtown Grand Rapids has emerged as the center of culture, entertainment and dining and has become a premiere destination for visitors and residents. Downtown plays a unique role in our city's — and our region's — growth and quality of life. The Downtown Alliance has worked to create a welcome environment by providing a clean, attractive, safe and friendly downtown. We are in the business of improving and sustaining a sense of place, directly impacting the environment through maintenance, beautification and activities. These efforts enhance the market immensely. A vibrant and appealing downtown attracts visitors and investment. The Downtown Alliance is an organization that is of the downtown and for the downtown; the activities of the Downtown Alliance are governed by a 25 person Board of Directors, which includes property and business owners, residents, non-profit entities, education and government representatives. The Downtown Alliance is a Business Improvement District (BID) funded by the Downtown Improvement District special assessment. It was created in 2001 when, as the downtown's popularity, attractions and visitors increased, so did the need to maintain and beautify the downtown district. To do that, the downtown property owners decided to create a BID, to make the downtown even better. The Downtown Alliance has several committees:
Downtown Alliance Officers:
Downtown Alliance Staff:
Vision StatementDowntown Grand Rapids blends arts, entertainment and culture with historic charm and urban living to create an exceptional quality of life for the region. Commerce, education, research, health care and retail flourish, attracting investment and people. Visually attractive and vibrant, it is a magnet for a diverse and inclusive community. Downtown Grand Rapids is the heart and soul of West Michigan &emdash; culturally, socially and economically. Mission StatementThe Grand Rapids Downtown Alliance is an organization comprised of downtown stakeholders working for the benefit of the downtown to ensure its local and regional vibrancy by means of maintenance, beautification, marketing, advocacy, visionary leadership and collaboration. Purpose StatementThe Downtown Alliance is an organization designed, governed and implemented by downtown stakeholders to strengthen the downtown area by:
all of which are essential to Downtown's success as a place to work, live, shop and recreate. Marketing Positioning Statement:Downtown is where you go to live life more fully. We can't do this alone.We work strategically and collaboratively with other downtown organizations, including the DDA, the Downtown Improvement District (DID), and the City, to ensure we can accomplish our collective goals. In 2007 the Downtown Alliance created the Downtown Alliance Foundation, a 501(c)(3) organization that can accept funds for the beautification and improvement of the downtown. Contact us at:Grand Rapids Downtown Alliance, PO Box 230754, Grand Rapids, MI 49523 Grand Rapids Downtown Development Authority (DDA)The DDA was created in 1979 to promote economic growth and revitalization and encourage historic preservation within the central business district. The DDA seeks to reverse historical trends that have led to loss of population, jobs, businesses, and the quality of life within the downtown area. 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. Mission: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. Board Chair: Brian Harris Staff:
Main Committees:
Contact us at:DDA, Ninth Floor City Hall, 300 Monroe NW, Grand Rapids, MI 49503 Grand Rapids Downtown Improvement District (DID)The Downtown Improvement District (DID) is the city board developed to manage the assessment process and to ensure that the maintenance and beautification efforts are done well. It has a 9 person board including a representative of the city of Grand Rapids. The DID is responsible for a bi-annual survey of business and property owners re: the effectiveness of the DID/Downtown Alliance. Key Programs and Responsibilities:
Chair: Bob Herr Staff:
Contact us:DID, Ninth Floor City Hall, 300 Monroe NW, Grand Rapids, MI 49503 Downtown Alliance FoundationThe Downtown Alliance Foundation is an independent 501(c)(3) non-profit organization governed by a Board of Directors. The Foundation's goal is to raise funds for programs that enhance the beautification, artistic and cultural environment and vitality of downtown Grand Rapids. The Foundation meets annually or as needed. MissionThe mission of the Downtown Alliance Foundation is to provide the tools to ensure that downtown Grand Rapids is vibrant, healthy, clean, attractive and hospitable &emdash; the heart of West Michigan. Staff:
Contact us at:Grand Rapids Downtown Alliance Foundation, PO Box 230754, Grand Rapids, MI 49523 |
© Grand Rapids Downtown Alliance 2010