Welcome to the Elk Rapids DDA
The Elk Rapids Downtown Development Authority (DDA) is tasked with analyzing the impact of economic changes in the downtown district and developing plans in coordination with the Village Council and Planning Commission to promote orderly economic growth in the downtown development district. The most recent Downtown Development and Tax Increment Financing plans were adopted in 2011.
Photo of Downtown Elk Rapids during an Evening on River Street event during Harbor Days by 2021 Summer Intern Lauren Benitez.
FY23 TIF District PA 57 Annual Report
To check out the DDA’s annual report as required by PA 57, CLICK HERE.
DDA Funding Requests
The DDA encourages qualified organizations and businesses that are planning events and activities within the DDA district to apply for funding support. For more information, please download the DDA FUNDING REQUEST GUIDELINES AND APPLICATION FORM (PDF).
FOR MORE DDA RESOURCES, PLEASE VISIT THE DOCUMENT CENTER
THE 2024-2025 FAÇADE GRANT APPLICATION IS LIVE!
The Village of Elk Rapids Downtown Development Authority (DDA) is thrilled to announce that the 2024-2025 Façade Grant Application is now open! The deadline for submission is April 19, 2024, by 5:00pm.
The DDA Façade Grant Program aims to stimulate private investment through the rehabilitation and enhancement of façades within the DDA District, emphasizing the support of historic preservation practices. This initiative seeks to enhance the visual appeal of building façades, thereby boosting the economic health of the DDA District.
The grant program advocates for designs that not only set a high standard of quality but also aim to preserve the unique architectural character that Elk Rapids is known for. Proposed designs should harmonize with the historic nature of the buildings and their neighboring structures.
Through the provision of reimbursement grants to property owners and commercial tenants, the program is designed to highlight the significant influence that individual building improvements can have on the overall aesthetic, quality, and vibrancy of Elk Rapids.
PROGRAM DESCRIPTION
Offered as a competitive opportunity, this program awards matching grants for façade improvements within the designated DDA district (refer to the map below, with the district highlighted in purple). The allocation of grants to projects within a fiscal year is contingent upon the program’s budget, with a new funding cycle commencing annually in March.
RESOURCES
MONTHLY DDA NEWSLETTER
Check out the DDA newsleter! Each month, the DDA will share important information and decisions being made in the district, and how you can be part of it all. If you would like a particular update, please reach out to the DDA.
Want to get these updates in your email inbox each month? Sign up below!
DDA Members
The DDA meets on the second Wednesday of each month at 6:00 p.m. in the Government Center (315 Bridge St., Elk Rapids, MI 49629).
Barbara Matthews – Chair │ Term ending 2025
email: bmatthews@elkrapids.org
Doug VanCura – Vice Chair│ Term ending 2024
email: dvancura@elkrapids.org
Becky Lancaster – Secretary │ Term ending 2026
email: blancaster@elkrapids.org
Jaquelyn Bos │ Term ending 2024
email: jbos@elkrapids.org
Sandy Ehlers │ Term ending 2026
email: sehlers@elkrapids.org
John Petrovich │ Term ending 2026
email: jpetrovich@elkrapids.org
Janet Rentsch │ Term ending 2027
email: jrentsch@elkrapids.org
Susan Tysklind-Sweet │Term ending 2025
email: ssweet@elkrapids.org
Scott Epskamp │ Term ending 2027
email: sepskamp@elkrapids.org
Amy Bay │ Term Ending 2027
email: abay@elkrapids.org
Karen Simpson – Village President – Council Representative
email: ksimpson@elkrapids.org
John Mach – Executive Director – Elk Rapids Downtown Development Authority
email: jmach@elkrapids.org
WANT TO VOLUNTEER ON THE DOWNTOWN DEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY?
The Village of Elk Rapids is always seeking dedicated individuals to volunteer on boards and commissions. If you are interested in such a position, fill out an application form and either turn it in to the Village Government Center or email it to vllgclerk@elkrapids.org. Your application will be kept on file for one year. Vacant seats on the commissions and boards are usually filled in the month of April.
COMMISSION APPLICATION FORM (EXTERNAL LINK)
Please note that the DDA has specific requirements to be member, including being a business owner, having a business interest in the district, or being a resident of the district. For information on time commitments, requirements, and other general information about this commission, please read through the bylaws: