Downtown governance
DDA & DEGA
Two public authorities invest in downtown Kalamazoo: the Downtown Development Authority and the Downtown Economic Growth Authority. Here’s what they do, who serves, and where the money goes.
In shortThe DDA and DEGA are public boards that use downtown tax revenue to improve downtown. They share one board, meet in public every month, and post their budgets and reports.
What they do
Downtown Development Authority (DDA)
A special-purpose local authority created to halt deterioration and foster development in the downtown business area. It’s funded by a tax increment financing (TIF) district and a 2-mill tax levy in the Downtown Development District.
Downtown Economic Growth Authority (DEGA)
Created by the City Commission in October 2018 under Michigan’s Corridor Improvement Authority Act, to help fund improvements along downtown’s commercial corridors. It can adopt a development plan and a TIF plan for its district.
Their work shows up across downtown: the Downtown Ambassadors, the Bigbelly waste and recycling units, Social District signs and seating, event sponsorships and downtown projects.
Budgets & reports
Each authority’s budget is approved by the City Commission. After 2023, the DDA and DEGA stopped issuing separate audited financial statements; their audited figures are now part of the City of Kalamazoo’s financial statements.
More financial reports are on the City of Kalamazoo’s budgets and financial reports page (opens in a new tab). Plans, presentations and data behind downtown marketing are in the downtown plan library (opens in a new tab).
The board
One board of nine members serves both authorities. A majority must have an interest in property in the downtown district, at least one must live in the district, and the mayor serves ex officio. Terms are four years, with a limit of two in a row.
| Name | Role |
|---|---|
| Curtis Aardema | Chair |
| Clarence Lloyd | Vice Chair |
| Trisha Kidd | Secretary |
| Rick Searing | Treasurer |
| Connor Sampson | Member |
| Harvin Sandhu | Member |
| Stanley Steppes | Member |
| Cheng Kidd Sun | Member |
| David Anderson | Mayor, City Commission liaison |
A City of Kalamazoo downtown coordinator serves as staff liaison to the board.
Event & marketing sponsorships
The DDA/DEGA Events and Marketing Committee considers sponsorship requests for downtown events: up to $2,500 for a single-day or partial event, and up to $5,000 for a multi-day event.
Apply for an events and marketing sponsorship (opens in a new tab)
Sources
Meetings
Third Monday of the month, 3 to 5 p.m., at City Hall, 241 W. South St., unless noted. Meetings are open to the public.
- , 3–5 p.m.
- , 3–5 p.m.
- , 3–5 p.m.
Join the board
Board members are appointed. Anyone interested can apply through the City.
Bylaws
Questions
Email downtown@kalamazoocity.org or call (269) 337-8993.