The Mason Downtown Development Authority (DDA) is dedicated to supporting the economic growth of Mason’s downtown. The Board meets monthly as needed throughout the year and generally serve a four year term. The DDA is the governing body of the Mason Downtown Development District, and as such shall have the power to authorize the levy and collection of taxes, the acquisition and disposal of interest in real and personal property, the creation and implement of development plans in the District, the promotion of economic growth, the issuance of bonds and other evidence of indebtedness, and the use of tax increment financing.
Authority: Established through a city ordinance, recorded as Chapter 2-274 of the City Code of Ordinances.
Website
Current Membership:
Russell Whipple, Mayor
Jamie Robinson, Chair
Mary Kelsey, Vice-Chair
Brent Forsberg
Tim Gaylord
Kendra Patterson
Brian Rasdale
Kassie Rhodes
Teresa Wren
Staff: City Manager
Meeting Time: Typically meets the first Wednesday of every month at 10:00 a.m. in the Sycamore Room in City Hall.
Application to Serve: Found here.
DDA PROGRAMS
Facade Program: Offers matching grants to fund building facade improvements. Each building in the downtown district is eligible to apply for a grant. The DDA will provide 35% of the cost for improving a building facade, with a maximum grant of $10,000. Under certain circumstances, the grant may be as much as $15,000 or 50% of the project cost. You must get DDA approval before starting construction.
Façade Guidelines
Notice of Intent (First Step in Application Process)
Liquor License Assistance Program (LLAP): The LLAP encourages economic development within the DDA District. Applicants who have met the requirements of the Michigan Liquor Control Commission (MLCC) will be eligible to apply for the LLAP and thereby receive an $18,000 partially forgivable loan. More information listed in document center below.
LLAP Program Guidelines
LLAP Program Application
Document Center
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