FY2025 Budget Adoption

The Board formally adopted the FY2025 budget for the Downtown Development Authority. Investment highlights include Grand River public space and access improvements, continued funding to support Downtown businesses, continued support for DGRI-produced events such as World of Winter and Return to the River, and major capital investments including Lyon Square, the Van Andel Alley and the Acrisure Amphitheater.

Additional details are available here.

Support for Grand River Edge Improvements

The Board approved funding for the rehabilitation and construction of a new walkway along the Grand River from the Louis Street (JW Marriot) to the Blue Bridge. The project will replace the existing walkway that has been damaged years of washout and erosion with new elements such as concrete steps, lighting and native planting. The project also includes an access point for small watercraft such as kayaks or canoes. This project is a partnership with the City of Grand Rapids and construction costs will be split between the city and DGRI.

The Board approved funds not-to-exceed $850,000 for construction of the River Edge Improvement Project.

111 Lyon Brownfield Agreement

The Board approved a resolution authorizing the assignment of tax increment revenues to the City of Grand Rapids Brownfield Redevelopment Authority that will support the conversion of 7 floors of office space to 140 new residential units at 111 Lyon. This project represents the addition of 95,000 new square feet of Downtown housing, including 28 of the 140 units designated as affordable housing available to households earning at or below 100% of the Area Median Income.

Downtown Wayfinding Signage Support

The Board approved continued funding to complete upcoming phases of the Downtown Wayfinding Signage project. This project has been ongoing since June 2020 to fully update the Downtown Wayfinding system. This phases includes areas outside of the central Downtown area (i.e. Westside, south Downtown, etc.).

The Board approved funds not-to-exceed $395,778 to support the Downtown Wayfinding Project.

Heartside Historic Mural Series Support

The Board approved funds to support the Heartside Historic Mural series. In partnership with Dwelling Place, DGRI has supported the installation of 14 new murals since 2020 in the Heartside neighborhood that honor local history. This funding will support the creation of two new large-scale murals in Heartside.

The Board approved funds not-to-exceed $60,000.

Major Event Funding: Global Water Fest

The Board approved funding to support the 4th annual Global Water Festival. This free festival celebrates the heritage of multiple local cultures, activates riverfront public spaces and welcomes an extremely diverse population of attendees to Downtown Grand Rapids. It features dragon boats races, kayaking on the Grand River, local food vendors and a host of cultural programming and activities from a variety of community partner organizations.

The Board approved funds not-to-exceed $35,000 for major event sponsorship of the Global Water Fest.