Knowing Your DDA – Downtown Ferndale Shares Updates, Goals in Annual Info Meeting
(Crystal A. Proxmire, Jan. 24, 2024)
Ferndale, MI – Visitors to Downtown Ferndale can enjoy an atmosphere of warmth, diversity, and artistic expression evident in the variety of stores, restaurants, and creatively-designed public spaces. This image doesn’t just happen – there’s an organization with dedicated staff and a board of volunteers that coordinates many aspects of a thriving business district – The Downtown Development Authority.
The Ferndale DDA was created in 1981, with funding coming from a “tax capture.” This means that as property values in the area increased, the property taxes that would normally go to other entities (such as Oakland County, the Detroit Zoo, etc.) remain in the community to be spent on projects and tasks that support the downtown’s economic vitality.
Each year the DDA hosts annual stakeholder information meetings, for members of the public to get an update on how the organization is faring, and to share with the public how the DDA works.
DDA Executive Director Jennie Beeker was joined by Engagement Manager Sommer Realy for the Dec. 19 presentation. Beeker is new to the position, coming on board in September and diving right in to signature community events like Funky Ferndale Art Fair and DIY, Jingle and Mingle with Ferndale Underground Market, and Santa at Schiffer Park.
Other activities that help Downtown Ferndale thrive include the Cinco de Mayo Festival, Spring Fever Market, Ferndale Pride, Pig and Whiskey festival, Woodward Dream Cruise, Movies in the Park, The Nine on Nine concert series at Schiffer Park, Ferndale Street Sounds, and Downtown Trick or Treating,. Some are DDA-created events, while others they just help to make happen.
In 2023 there were a number of successes beyond the obvious lure of events. Beeker shared accomplishments, including the Ferndale Dollars Program where over $8,000 of certificates were purchased to be redeemed at participating local businesses. On social media, Downtown Ferndale reached over 10,000 followers on Instagram. They also held a training session about social media for local businesses.
The Downtown Mural Program grew in the past year. The program, in conjunction with Michigan Arts and Culture Council, funded multiple murals. Members of the public are welcome to take a self-guided tour with information about the artwork available online.
Beeker also touted features of the Woodward Moves project, which reduced Woodward Avenue by one lane in an effort to calm traffic and add protected bike lanes.
The warm weather brought a pop up park to the grassy area adjacent the recently built dot mixed use parking deck. Downtown Ferndale welcomed ten new businesses in 2023, and the organization has worked with Ferndale Police to have a dedicated officer to have a relationship with downtown business owners and handle downtown complains when appropriate.
The DDA is also proud of their participation not only in Main Street Oakland County, but in Main Street USA where they are one of only six Great American Main Streets in Michigan.
Moving forward, Beeker said the organization will be focusing on funding opportunities, wrapping up the Woodward Moves project, hosting focus groups, continuing to improve communications, and gathering resources not only for businesses, but for everyone in the Downtown area to have resources for mental health and housing needs.
Currently the DDA is seeking two to six new board members, ideally with one being a resident in the Downtown area. Board members are appointed by the Mayor. These volunteers are responsible for advising and adopting the DDA budget (which is ultimately approved by City Council), setting the vision for downtown, attending meetings, reviewing agendas, reports, and other documents, and attending training for board members. Those interested in applying can find more info at https://www.ferndalemi.gov/government/boards-and-commissions-hub/downtown-development-authority
It isn’t just board members that make Downtown Ferndale shine. Beeker encouraged people to get involved by volunteering, attending meetings, following Downtown Ferndale on social media and sharing links, and also visiting the Downtown Ferndale website for the latest events and information.
Moving forward, the thing that excites Beeker and Realy most is their passion for serving people. “You belong here” is a slogan that’s been seen around town and had been the underlying principle behind decisions.
It’s about “us living the vision for Downtown Ferndale being inclusive and making sure everyone has a place here,” Beeker said.
Learn more about Downtown Ferndale at www.DowntownFerndale.com