Welcome
to the Ferndale Downtown Development Authority
Downtown Ferndale today is a continuum of positive change that began in 1980 when the Ferndale City Council established the Ferndale Downtown Development Authority (DDA) and empowered it to be the economic redevelopment engine for the district. In 2001, Downtown Ferndale became a Main Street Oakland county community and soon thereafter, an accredited downtown of the National Trust for Historic Preservation (NTHP) Main Street program.
These liaisons have been essential to Downtown Ferndale's metamorphosis from abandon to abundant, a transition applauded on a national level in May 2010 when the NTHP honored the Ferndale DDA with its prestigious Great American Main Street Award (GAMSA). The GAMSA considers the cumulative results of sustainable programs, and in the case of Downtown Ferndale, it recognized what has become the city's ongoing mantra -- "Change is Good".
Vision
& Mission of DDA
The Ferndale DDA (Downtown Development Authority), a National
Main Street community, is a non-profit public entity that is focused
on the revitalization of Downtown Ferndale. Our mission is to
create and sustain a diverse, distinctive and vibrant urban downtown
district with small-town charm that serves a broad trade area
including the Ferndale community, Metro Detroit area, and out-of-state
and international visitors by providing support and leadership
to the downtown business community, volunteers, residents, property
owners, real estate and development professionals utilizing the
Main Street Approach of economic development, design, promotions
and organization.
The
Ferndale DDA helps companies grow and expand into the local, national,
and international markets and find new trade and business opportunities.
It is a place where marketing techniques and management tactics
are honed, where business professionals share ideas and gain expertise,
and where businesses small and large can band together and pull
their collective weight to obtain better benefits for their businesses,
make an impact on government decision makers, and improve the
business climate.
The
Ferndale DDA helps businesses and the community prosper together
by assessing the needs of local businesses, customizing resources
to meet those needs through strong partnerships, activities, community
involvement, and special promotions. We provide you with technical
expertise, a valuable network of contacts, and an array of benefits
through viable partnerships.
Who
is the DDA and What Do They Do
The Ferndale DDA was created under the auspices of Michigan Public
Act 197 of the Public Acts of 1975 to promote economic growth
and development. The DDA is comprised of an active Board of Directors,
as well as by a savvy and top notch staff lending a helping hand
to prospective and current business owners located within the
DDA. The DDA follows the Main Street Approach to downtown revitalization,
and has several committees which work together to promote our
shared goals including the organizational, promotions, design
and economic restructuring committees.
View
a copy of our organizational structure
Goals & Objectives of the DDA
The DDA implements a number of public work projects including streetscape
improvements, signage, and lighting. It also organizes and implements activities
which promote businesses including special events, retail promotions,
and group advertising. The DDA is currently creating a Downtown
Development Plan that will take Downtown Ferndale into the next
decade. A link will be available on-line shortly.
Click
here for Annual Goal & Objectives
Committees
& Volunteer Opportunities
The Ferndale DDA has been a success because of the hard work and
commitment of its dedicated and supportive volunteers. Opportunities
abound for interested business leaders, as well as residents and
other volunteers. Volunteers are asked to commit a minimum of
at least five hours per month and can be involved in committee
efforts ranging from Volunteer Development,
Communication/
Strategic Planning, Fund Raising, and Advocacy as part of the
Organizational Committee; or with Marketing and PR Strategic Planning,
Image Development, Retail and Business Promotions, and Special
Event Planning as part of the Promotions Committee; or with recommending
public spaces designs, building improvements, design education
and technical assistance, and design regulations and enforcement
as part of the Design
Committee; or with market research, business assistance, financial
assistance, or property development as part of the committee focused
on Economic Restructuring.
Committee Meeting Schedule
