The Cedar Springs Downtown Development Authority (DDA) was created in 1990 as a means to halt property value deterioration and to increase property tax valuation, where possible, in the City’s business district. The basic purpose of the CSDDA is to reestablish and maintain the vitality of the Central Business District. Basic components of the plan include parking, commercial development and building renovation.
The DDA does not increase tax rates but does reinvest tax money already being paid directly back into the DDA area. The Cedar Springs DDA’s Tax Increment Financing and Development Plan can be read on the City’s website under “Important Information/Documents” or here.
The DDA does not currently have any ongoing contracts for service with any outside organization. The DDA does pay the City’s DPW for snow removal in the district at the DPW’s established rates. All DDA purchases and budgetary decisions are public information and are available both in the DDA’s Agendas and by request. If you have any thoughts, questions or concerns about the DDA you can contact the City Manager at manager@ciyofcedarsprings.org or you can contact the City generally at https://cityofcedarsprings.org/contact/
Members of the Board include:
- Bernie Beier – (Vanderhyde Ford)
- Laura Ensley – (Ensley 5 star Real Estate)
- Jody Arp– (The Red Bird Bistro)
- Sally Howland – (The Cedar Chest)
- Mayor Gerald Hall – (Council Representative)
- Tim Wilkes – (Resident)
- Rose Ellen Powell – (City resident)
- David Ringler – (CS Brewery)
- Todd Vriesenga – (Microcannery)
The Downtown Development Authority Board of Directors holds regular meetings at noon at the City Hall. Agendas are posted usually posted about a week before the meeting. The meeting may be canceled if there is no business to discuss.
Twice per year, the DDA hosts informational meetings for the public. 2021 Informational Meetings are scheduled as follows:
In conjunction with the Regular Downtown Development Authority meeting on
Monday, January 25, 2021 at 12:00 p.m. at City Hall Council Chambers 66 S. Main Street Cedar Springs, MI 49319
and
In conjunction with the Regular Downtown Development Authority meeting on
Monday, March 29, 2021 at 12:00 p.m. at City Hall Council Chambers 66 S. Main Street Cedar Springs, MI 49319
Please note these meetings may need to be held virtually or a combination of virtual and in-person due to COVID-19. If the meeting is virtual the meeting information will be located on the home page of the City of Cedar Springs Website found at www.cityofcedarsprings.org
January 25, 2021, Zoom Meeting Information can be found here.
March 29, 2021, Zoom Meeting information can be found here.
The purpose of these meetings are to share the goals, plans, and to discuss future plans in the DDA district. The board will also address and any other business that may come before the board. The regular and special meeting of the Downtown Development Authority will be held immediately following the informational meeting.
The DDA is staffed by City Hall staff including the City Manager, City Clerk, City Finance Director and Department of Public Works staff. All DDA/City Hall staff can be contacted at City Hall by calling 616-696-1330. More information about the City Hall staff can be found here.
You may also watch previous DDA Meetings on our new YouTube channel.
DDA Meeting Agendas & Minutes
The DDA’s Agendas and Minutes can found on this website under “Meetings and Minutes” on the main page or they can be found here.
Agendas are normally available 7 days prior to the scheduled meeting date.
