About the Milan DDA

The Downtown Development Authority DDA was established by the Milan City Council in 1988, pursuant to the authority of a then recently enacted Michigan statue.

The purpose of the DDA is to, as best as possible, enhance property values and promote economic development in the Milan central business district - an area bounded approximately by Gay Street to the East, Hurd and First Streets to the North, Church Street to the West and Ford Lake and the Saline River to the South.

The Milan DDA is governed by a nine member Board of Directors, consisting of the Mayor and eight appointees of the Mayor, with approval of the City Council.

The DDA hosts the annual Discover Milan Day held in May; co-sponsors with the Milan Chamber of Commerce the Downtown Trick or Treat event in late October; and participates in the Rotary Club "Keep Milan Beautiful" campaign. The DDA Development Plan, adopted in 2009, lists various projects believed by the DDA and the City of Milan to be important in enhancing the economic development and beauty of historic downtown Milan. Some of the these projects include way-finding signs that will direct visitors to the downtown and other public destinations, creating centralized corrals for business trash dumpsters, amenities for the downtown area and expansion of the Wabash Street parking lot to provide additional off-street parking for downtown visitors.

Mission Statement - Adopted February 22, 2001

To actively seek out, attract and retain a diversity of businesses and promotions to the Downtown District that compliment one another, that add to the quality of life for our citizens and guests, and which promote flexibility and positive changes in the area, and at the same time preserve and build on the strong historic character and appearance of Milan.