DDA details accomplishments, goals

“I Am Imlay City project hopes to roll out in ‘25

 

IMLAY CITY — Just like Santa at this time of year, the Downtown Development Authority is checking things off of its list.

Last Monday, December 9, the DDA held its biannual informational meeting to bring the community up-to-date on projects they’ve accomplished, those in progress, and the goals they’ve set for 2025.

DDA Director Christine Malzahn created a full color brochure detailing the DDA’s tax increment financing plan, its mission statement, budget for the fiscal year, demographics and more. She noted the state mandates that all downtown development authorities hold informational meetings twice a year.

With a balanced budget and list of accomplishments, Malzahn says the summary reflected the passion and enthusiasm of the DDA’s volunteer board, and the DDA’s efforts to connect with business owners, its TIF plan, and the city’s Master Plan and commission members.

“Investing in a community isn’t exclusively about creating wealth,” Malzahn noted in the brochure. “It’s also about placemaking and a sense of belonging. Imlay City boasts a small town atmosphere that is connected to big-time population centers. Our focus is helping you achieve success while building strong community bonds, pride in our heritage and commitment to ensuring a positive future through collaboration.”

Malzahn noted that the DDA has co-written and submitted grant funding requests totaling nearly $2.3 million, and was awarded funds from the Michigan Economic Development Corp, the U.S. Dept. of Transportation, the Four County Community Foundation and Consumers Energy.

Other DDA accomplishments in 2024 include:

•Promoting and managing the Imlay City Facade Grant Program, which has awarded just under $20,000 to businesses within the district.

•Created a new downtown marketing plan and print materials.

•Collaborated with local organizations including the Imlay City Area Chamber of Commerce, Lapeer Development Corp., Rotary Club, Lapeer County Ed Tech Center, Imlay City Schools and other Lapeer County DDAs.

•Hosted special events including the Farmers Market, Concerts in the Park and Winter Fest.

•Replaced deteriorated directional signage on MDOT roads.

•Replaced the electronic message board sign on Cedar Street.

•Replaced brick paver areas along Third St. and Almont Ave, and additional grinding of raised areas as needed.

•Purchased additional trash receptacles and pet waste disposal systems for parks and downtown.

•Re-striped, signed and performed maintenance on the municipal parking lot on Almont Ave.

•Applied for community placemaking grants to fund a pavillion at the Farmers Market area.

•Worked to re-activate one re-development liquor license and transfer of one escrowed resort license.

•Worked with the MEDC to engage assistance programs to expand business recruitment.

•Held round-table meetings with area developers to discuss mutual goals for the city.

•Worked with a community planner to engage community stakeholders and determine needs in the downtown area.

•Created a ‘Downtown Day’ promotional video in partnership with Almont and Lapeer DDAs.

The DDA is also working on assisting the city in becoming a Redevelopment Ready community; designing custom bike racks and a way-finding kiosk; continued discussions with CN Railroad for improvements to the viaduct on M-53, including lighting, painting and beautification of the embankments; researched available facade improvement grants; listed property for sale to generate additional revenue for use on blighted building remediation; worked with EGLE for Third Street city-owned properties; negotiate with the city on a purchase to help remediate the blighted properties and continuing to develop the ‘I AM Imlay City’ Community Storytelling Project.’

The DDA continues to work toward business recruitment and retention for 2025, along with marketing available facade grant programs, meet with businesses on a regular basis to identify retention and expansion, work with landowners to create more housing downtown in the upper floors of buildings, provide for necesssary improvements to city-owned downtown parking areas and maintain lighting and landscaping in the DDA district.

“The Mission of the Imlay City Downtown Development Authority is to create an atmosphere conducive to business prosperity and consumer satisfaction, while maximizing employment and encouraging business development,” Malzahn says in the brochure.

For more information about the DDA and its programs and events visit www.icdda.com or call 810-724-2135.