The Downtown Development Authority (DDA) is a funding tool that Downtown Grand Rapids Inc. (DGRI) administers to help catalyze public and private investment in Grand Rapids’ urban core.

To maintain a high level of openness and transparency, the full recording of the live-streamed DDA Board meeting on July 12, 2023, is available on YouTube.

The Board met on this agenda and took the following action:

Grand River Greenway Mapping

The Board approved expenditures to support the continued development of the Grand River Greenway. As progress continues to realize the vision of a fully connected Grand River Greenway across Kent County, the development of visual materials to illustrate current and future concepts and connections is a priority. To support this work, a Request for Qualifications was released and a subsequent team has been selected to lead this creative project. These funds will support the development of maps, infographics and other materials that will be available in print and digital formats.

Funds were approved not to exceed $60,000.

Downtown Security Contract Renewal

The board approved funding to continue a contract with Phenix Security for uniformed, unarmed security patrols in the center city area of Downtown. These patrols coordinated with GRPD, the Downtown Ambassadors and the City's Homeless Outreach Team. The City of Grand Rapids will reimburse the DDA for a portion of the overall contract amount.

Funds were approved not to exceed $57,120.

World of Winter

The Board approved funding to support up to six large-scale traveling art installations for World of Winter 2024. A Request for Proposals issued in March generated over 100 responses from industrial designers and engineers around the world. These installations will incorporate light and sound, as well as opportunities for festival attendees to interact with the art. DGRI team members and citizen stakeholders assisted with the selection process. One local proposal was received and will be featured in WoW '24.

Funds were approved not to exceed $300,000.

Downtown Amphitheater Informational Presentation

Grand Action 2.0 provided an informational presentation to the Board.

Disability Advocates Informational Presentation

Disability Advocates of Kent County provided an informational update to the Board.