Downtown Development Authorities (DDAs) in Michigan are government entities established by local municipalities to promote and facilitate the growth and revitalization of downtown areas within their respective communities. DDAs play a crucial role in fostering economic development, enhancing the overall quality of life, and preserving the unique characteristics of downtown districts across the state.

A variety of economic development incentives and assistance programs are available for redevelopment projects within the City.

Façade Improvement Program

The Fennville Downtown Development Authority maintains a façade improvement program, funding two improvement projects annually up to a maximum of $10,000 at a 50% matching rate. Eligible businesses must be located in the Central Business District (see what zone your business is in here)

Projects can focus on improving downtown building facades or on improving ADA standards compliance. Facades are the exteriors of buildings facing a public right of way. Project examples could include business signs, exterior brickwork, or elevator upgrades. Applications are due April 1st of each year, and the DDA will make a decision regarding awards of the grant at their April meeting annually.

Get the facade grant application here! Submit a hard copy at City Hall, or email to City Administrator Katie Beemer at kbeemer@fennville.gov 

Fennville has, since 2005, authorized a Brownfield Redevelopment Authority, allowing developers to potentially make use of tax increment financing plans (TIFs) for development in Fennville. While traditionally supporting environmental remediation, more recent State law means many types of housing projects can also be supported. Please contact the City Administrator with any questions regarding Brownfield Redevelopment incentives, and how your property can get tax incentives for environmental cleanup.
 
A list of known contamination can be found from EGLE.

Read the City's Brownfield Policy, which goes into further detail about the types of projects Fennville will consider supporting via Brownfield TIF.

The City of Fennville has experience in conducting Payment in Lieu of Taxes (PILOT) agreements with property developers, in order to facilitate the development of housing that is accessible to low-income, disabled, and elderly residents. In a PILOT program, the property owner will pay a service fee rather than regular property taxes for providing affordable housing. For more information on PILOT agreements in Fennville please contact the City Administrator.

Read the City's PILOT Policy, which goes into further detail about the types of projects Fennville will consider supporting via PILOT.

Read more, from MSHDA.

Density Bonuses

Fennville encourages residential density bonuses in Planned Use Developments, allowing for proportionally more residential units in accordance with the amount of land set aside for open space. See § 21.2 (A)(3) of the Zoning Code of Ordinances for more information. 

Additionally, the Michigan Economic Development Corporation offers numerous financing programs aimed towards small and medium-sized businesses. Some programs require sponsorship by local City authorities, so reach out to City staff if an opportunity interests you. Learn more at: I Need Funding | Programs & Services | Michigan Business