Downtown Development Authority

The DDA will be soliciting bids for upcoming projects. Check below for current RFP's/RFQ's.

Bidnetdirect.com - For the City of Belleville

Welcome to the Belleville DDA

The Downtown Development Authority (DDA) promotes economic development and fosters investment within the DDA district. Working in partnership with the City the DDA increases the tax base, strengthens the local economy, and maintains special downtown qualities which make Belleville a unique and desirable place to live and work.

Come to Belleville's Downtown on the Lake, a delightful destination for dining, shopping, and relaxing with family and friends. Enjoy a traditional Main Street, beautiful parks and Belleville Lake. Located in a growing Western Wayne County community, Belleville is minutes from the I-94 Belleville Road exit, and close to Detroit Metro Airport and Ann Arbor.

ABOUT THE DOWNTOWN DEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY

Mission Statement

The mission of the City of Belleville Downtown Development Authority (DDA) is to facilitate Downtown District improvements through:

Implementing development plans;
Promoting economic stability and growth;
Enhancing the strengths of our Downtown on the Lake.

The DDA is governed by a volunteer Board consisting of the Mayor and eight other members appointed by the Mayor, with the approval of the City Council. Board members represent businesses, property owners and residents of the community. The DDA is a public body and conducts itself in accordance with Michigan Statutes governing the operation of public agencies.

Organization

Downtown is supported by business and property owners, citizens, public officials, chambers of commerce and other economic development organizations. Belleville Downtown on the Lake tells the story of a traditional and historic center for retail and commercial business, and also for special events and celebrations. The DDA and City work together to accomplish projects and promote the City and Downtown.

Promotion

Promotion creates excitement downtown. Street festivals, parades, retail events, and Shop Local campaigns encourages customer traffic. Generating community pride strengthens our sense of place and helps create a market for downtown business growth.

The DDA provides funds to area organizations to produce celebrations, festivals, and family events which benefit downtown businesses, bring the community together, and introduce visitors to unique Belleville experiences. Organizations: please use the Funding Application Form to request DDA funds for downtown events

Design

Good design enhances the attractiveness of the business district. Historic building rehabilitation, street and alley clean-up, colorful banners, flowers, landscaping, and lighting improve the image of our Downtown on the Lake as a quality place to shop, work, walk, invest in and live. Design improvements result in a reinvestment of public and private dollars in downtown. Downtown property owners can take advantage of the DDA's Facade Improvement Program, to enhance their building.

Economic Restructuring

Economic restructuring involves analyzing current market trends and developing long-term solutions. Maintaining a strong downtown economy requires retaining existing businesses, as well as recruiting new commercial endeavors. A healthy downtown includes commercial, retail, restaurant and residential uses, along with government services and non-profit organizations.

BOOville - Scarecrow contest

2025 DDA Meeting Schedule (All meetings are at 6p, unless otherwise noted)

January 15, 2025 - Belleville Area District Library - Cozaad Rm
February 19, 2025 Belleville Area District Library - Cozaad Rm
March 19, 2025 Belleville Area District Library - Cozaad Rm
April 16, 2025 City Council Chambers, 6 Main
May 21, 2025
June 18, 2025
July 16, 2025
August 20, 2025
September 17, 2025
October 15, 2025
November 19, 2025
December 17, 2025

For Questions, please contact City Clerk/Treasurer Briana Hootman [email protected] or Assistant City Manager/DDA Director Steve Jones at [email protected].