City of Grand Rapids

Downtown Development Authority

About the Board

Here's a quick look at the Downtown Development Authority:

  • Helps in eliminating causes for building deterioration in Downtown's buildings
  • Promotes economic growth for the Downtown Grand Rapids Area
  • Aides in increasing property tax value

Board Members

There are 9 members of the Downtown Development Authority who are all appointed by the City Commission for a term beginning the first Monday in January.

Name Resident Status Term Ends On
Luis Avila  Non-Resident 1/4/27
Rosalynn Bliss Ward 2 Resident 1/3/28
Kayem Dunn Ward 2 Resident 1/3/28
Ryan Foley Non-Resident 1/3/28
Greg McNeilly Ward 2 Resident 1/3/28
Jennifer Schottke Ward 2 Resident 1/7/30
Mayor David LaGrand Non-Resident 1/1/29
Al Vanderberg Non-Resident 1/4/27
Richard Winn Ward 2 Resident 1/4/27

More Details

  • Composed of the Mayor and eight (8) Members
  • Members are appointed by the Mayor subject to approval by the City Commission 

Specific Requirements

Not less than a majority of the members shall be persons having an interest in property located in the downtown district or officers, members, trustees, principals, or employees of a legal entity having an interest in property located in the downtown district. 

Residency Requirement
At least one member must be a resident of Downtown if the Downtown District has 100 or more people residing in it.

Term Limits
Each member's term is for 4 years. There is no term limit, so you can serve an unlimited number of terms. All members shall hold office until the member's successor is appointed. 

Compensation
There's no compensation for being a member of this board.

Get Involved!

Looking to get involved in your community? Serving on a City Board or Commission is a great way to make a difference!

View the current vacancy list here!

City Staff Contact

Tim Kelly
Downtown Grand Rapids, Inc.
616-719-4610

Meeting Details

We keep a schedule of all meetings for the current year.

We keep a schedule of all meeting cancellations.

Location
Downtown Grand Rapids, Inc.
29 Pearl Street NW, Suite 1
Grand Rapids, MI 49503

Meeting Agenda

We meet at 8 AM at Downtown Grand Rapids, Inc. on the second Wednesday of each month. 

For more information, including upcoming and past meeting agendas, visit our website.

Downtown Development Authority