Ann Arbor City Council approves Downtown Development Authority’s expansion to include critical northern corridors
The Ann Arbor City Council on Monday, April 20, unanimously approved the adoption of the Ann Arbor Downtown Development Authority’s updated development and financing plan, allowing the authority to expand its infrastructure improvement and maintenance work to the north of its longstanding area of influence. (See the meeting video.)
“Our new plan gives us the capacity and flexibility to respond to evolving needs as the downtown continues to evolve,” said Ann Arbor DDA Executive Director Maura Thomson. “We’re thrilled to continue our work.”
This is the first time the Ann Arbor DDA’s boundary has expanded since its creation in 1982. The 19-block expansion to the north unlocks opportunities to strengthen downtown’s connections to the Huron River and the northside of Ann Arbor. The expansion will also allow the Ann Arbor DDA to be involved in the enhancement of two major gateways into downtown, North Main Street and the Broadway Bridge.
Under Michigan law, a development plan is required to establish a downtown development authority’s boundary and identify the future activities and projects the authority will undertake to benefit the downtown area and the broader community.
“This plan positions Ann Arbor to make thoughtful, long-term investments in the infrastructure and public spaces that support a strong, connected community,” said City Administrator Milton Dohoney Jr. “By expanding the DDA’s reach, we’re creating new opportunities to improve key corridors, strengthen neighborhoods, and ensure downtown continues to serve residents, businesses and visitors alike.”
What’s next for the Downtown Development Authority?
The development plan identifies 150 potential projects and programs, including 38 in the expansion area, and the resources needed to implement them.
Some of the priority Ann Arbor DDA projects that could be undertaken in the next five years include:
- The piloting of a downtown service and maintenance team to keep the downtown clean and operating smoothly
- The installation of retractable bollards on downtown streets that are commonly closed for special events
- Extension of the Division Street Bikeway to the Broadway Bridge
- Remediation and public open space installation at the City-owned 721 North Main Street site
- Improvements at the Farmer’s Market
- The redesign of the North Main Street corridor that connects downtown to M-14
The development plan has a 30-year time horizon and is the Ann Arbor DDA’s road map. This vital guide demonstrates to the community the work the authority can accomplish to support the city’s goals and values.
How is the work of the Ann Arbor DDA funded?
As a component unit of the Ann Arbor City government, the Ann Arbor DDA’s work is primarily funded through a portion of property taxes captured from within the authority’s boundaries.
“There are significant opportunities to do a lot of good, now and in the future,” said Thomson. “We’re eager to use our resources to continue to nurture a vibrant and welcoming downtown while also helping to make meaningful progress on overall city goals.”
How was the DDA’s updated plan developed?
Work on the updated DDA development plan began in in 2023.
The plan was informed by multiple city planning efforts, including the recently adopted Comprehensive Land Use Plan, the A2 Zero Plan, the Ann Arbor Moving Together Towards Vision Zero Plan, and TheRide’s 2045 Long Range Plan.
It was built around extensive public engagement and input from downtown stakeholders. The projects identified in the plan are focused on catalyzing, enhancing, and promoting core Ann Arbor values of affordability, equity and sustainability.
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Media Contacts:
Charlotte Beers, Downtown Development Authority Communications Specialist, CBeers@a2dda.org | Steve Kilar, City of Ann Arbor Communications Director, skilar@a2gov.org