The Downtown Development Authority (DDA) serves as a mechanism to promote economic growth in the City of Williamston's downtown district. The DDA plans, proposes and implements improvements to individual buildings and public facilities in the downtown district. The DDA also creates, operates and funds marketing initiatives that benefit retail and other business establishments in the downtown district.
Eight authority members are appointed for 4-year terms by the Mayor with the approval of the City Council. The Mayor serves as an ex-officio member on a year-to-year basis. Not less than five members shall be persons having an interest in property located in the downtown district; not less than one member shall be a resident of the downtown district.
| Board Members |
| Name |
Term Expiration |
| Emily Sutton-Smith, Chair |
06/30/2024 |
| Brooke Donnelly-Grzelak, Vice Chair |
06/30/2026 |
| Leigh Baumgras |
06/30/2027 |
| Lorie Droscha |
06/30/2025 |
| Vacancy |
06/30/2023 |
| Wendy Carroll-Parry |
06/30/2025 |
| Tammy Gilroy, Council Rep |
11/30/2023 |
| Jessica Modert |
06/30/2024 |
| Narda Murphy |
06/30/2027 |
| Brandon Lanyon, Council Alternate |
11/30/2023 |
Meeting Dates 2023
Meetings are held on the third Tuesday of the month,
at 7 pm, unless otherwise stated
| January 17, 2023 |
|
July 18, 2023 |
| February 21, 2023 |
|
August 15, 2023 |
| March 21, 2023 |
|
September 19, 2023 |
| April 18, 2023 |
|
October 17, 2023 |
| May 16, 2023 |
|
November 21, 2023 |
| June 20, 2023 |
|
December 19, 2023 |
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Financial Information:
Financial information, budget, audit information is all available on the City Treasurer's page. Click here for link.
Updated Synopsis of Activities:
DDA Annual Report and Synopsis
Current Contracts:
Gormley & Johnson Law Offices, PLC – Provision of legal services to the authority
DDA Development Plans (click on year for links):
2009 Restated Development Plan
2012 Plan
2018 Plan
2021 Plan
•DDA Facade Improvement Program Procedures and Fillable Application
•DDA Sponsorship Request Application
•DDA Bylaws
Authority Staff:
John Hanifan, City Manager & DDA Director
161 E. Grand River Ave.
Williamston, MI 48895
517-655-2774
manager@williamston-mi.us