Downtown Development Authority & Downtown Economic Growth Authority

Next date: Monday, May 19, 2025 | 03:00 PM to 05:00 PM

This Downtown Development Authority (DDA) Board is the governing body of a special purpose local authority established to halt deterioration and to foster development of the downtown business area. These activities are funded by revenue from a Tax Increment Financing (TIF) district and a 2 mill tax levy on property in the Downtown Development District.

The Downtown Economic Growth Authority (DEGA) Board was established by the Kalamazoo City Commission in October 2018 under the Corridor Improvement Authority (CIA) Act. Downtown authorities are designed to be catalysts in the development of a community’s downtown district and to assist with funding improvements along commercial corridors. Under the Act the DEGA Board has the authority to create a development plan, mapping out specific investments and improvements to be made within its boundaries, and to create a tax increment financing (TIF) plan identifying funding mechanisms.

Board Member Residency Requirements: A majority of the members must have an interest in property located in the downtown district. The mayor is an ex-officio member. At least one member must be a resident of the downtown district. Members serve four-year terms, limited to two consecutive terms with a four-year break.

The DEGA Board meets on the third Monday of each month at 3 p.m. in the Main Conference Room at Community Planning & Economic Development, located at 245 N. Rose Street. In 2024, the DDA board will meet jointly with the DEGA board at its March 18 and November 18 meetings. 

Downtown Development Authority Bylaws(PDF, 182KB)
Downtown Economic Growth Authority Bylaws(PDF, 173KB)

Current Members:
Rick Searing
Jeff Breneman
Trisha Kidd
Stanley Steppes
Curtis Aardema
Clarence Lloyd
Kwame Gyimah
Jessica Thompson
David Anderson, Mayor, City Commission Liaison
Meghan Behymer, Downtown Coordinator City of Kalamazoo Staff Liaison

 

When

Location

Unless otherwise noted meetings are held at:

Community Planning & Economic Development, 245 N Rose Street, Suite 100, Kalamazoo, 49007, View Map