The Downtown Development Authority (DDA) is a funding tool that Downtown Grand Rapids Inc. (DGRI) administers to help catalyze public and private investment in Grand Rapids’ urban core.
To maintain a high level of openness and transparency, the full recording of the live-streamed DDA Board meeting on December 13, 2023, is available on YouTube.
The Board met on this agenda and took the following action:
Lower Grand River Water Trail
The Board approved funding to support the formal designation by the State of Michigan of the "lower" 92 miles of the Grand River from Portland to Grand Haven. In partnership with a variety of stakeholders including the Lower Grand River Organization of Watersheds (LGROW), the funding will support efforts to increase recreational use and awareness of the Grand River. Downtown Grand Rapids is envisioned as a hub for multiple recreational activities in this broader effort, and the project will include installation of infrastructure at public access points, marketing and communications materials, coordination with state and federal partners, among other activities. Completion of this designation will create a more robust network of interconnected regional trails.
Funds were approved not to exceed $60,000.
Market Avenue Riverfront Design
The Board approved funding to support continued design and development of a new riverfront trail on the east bank of the Grand River from Fulton Street to Wealthy Street. The project is a collaborative effort with the City of Grand Rapids and other partners. The next phase of the project includes submitting permit applications to the State of Michigan and preparing for construction bids in October 2024. Full construction is expected to be completed by December 2026.
Funds were approved for $200,000 for professional services.
Division and Ionia Realignment
The Board approved funds to support the Division Avenue Realignment project. This project is a component of the larger Hill + River Network effort that is reimagining connectivity in the Monroe North neighborhood, specifically with the Belknap Lookout neighborhood and Downtown south of I-196. These funds will supplement City of Grand Rapids support for realigning and repurposing Division and Ionia Avenues north of I-196. This portion of the project includes professional services related to design, engineering, permitting and bidding. The City of Grand Rapids is committing $400,859 to the project.
Funds were approved not to exceed $302,501.
2024 Tree Planting
The Board approved funds for continued work to expand the Downtown tree canopy. In partnership with Friends of Grand Rapids Parks, DGRI identified 300 locations for new trees Downtown. These locations will be planted in the spring and fall of 2024 and will complete the GR Forward goal of achieving 10% canopy growth Downtown by 2025.
Funds were approved not to exceed $180,000.
Return to the River 2024
The Board approved funds to support two large scale traveling art exhibits for the 2024 Return to the River festival. The festival returns for a third annual installment in August of 2024. The two exhibits are planned to be placed at Sixth Street Park and 555 Monroe from August 24 to September 9.
Funds were approved not to exceed $100,000 to support two traveling art installations.
