Downtown Development Authorities began in Michigan in 1975 with the goal of revitalizing downtown areas which had seen a decline in patronage following World War II. To bring people back to downtowns, the DDA programs invest dollars and expertise to local projects and upgrading public areas. Leading the authority is an 11 seat appointed board that works with the community to invest back into Blissfield
With enthusiastic volunteers, hard work and inspiration, we will preserve the structures of yesterday, support our labors of today, and build our
dreams of tomorrow. This will establish and maintain a prosperous and welcoming community for stakeholders, visitors and surrounding
communities.
April Wolfe
Appointed on 09/26/2022
Heather Nichols
Appointed on 11/28/2022
Brenda Butler
Appointed on 06/09/2014
Mike Gunter
Appointed on 11/24/2014
Brian Doolittle
Appointed on 03/24/2025
Heather Marks
Appointed on 02/25/2019
Julie Goll
Appointed on 06/26/2023
Payton Marks
Laura Terry Borden
Appointed 06/22/2026
Laura Nichols
Since 2022
(517) 486-4347
mainstreet@blissfieldmichigan.gov
The regular council meeting of the Blissfield Downtown Development Authority meets the third Wednesday of each month at 6:00PM. Meetings are held in the Village Hall Council Chambers.
The Blissfield DDA/Main Street Outreach/Events Committee’s goal is to produce community and retail events to promote downtown Blissfield as a destination spot for people to dine, shop, and play, The committee is also responsible for fundraising, recruiting volunteers, and promoting the program throughout the community.
In addition, the committee produces the annual Business Brochure of Blissfield.
The Events Committee merged with the Outreach Committee in June of 2016.
The Outreach-Events Committee meets on the third Wednesday of the month at the Village Office at 6pm. Visitors and new members are welcome!
Chairperson
Ann Lambrix
Member
Heather Marks
Member
Sarah Kerekgyarto
The Design Committee of the Blissfield DDA/Main Street program is responsible for physical improvements to downtown Blissfield. The committee works with downtown property owners to take advantage of façade repair/improvement grants. Thanks to the Main Street program, expert façade design renderings are available to interested property owners at no charge(contact DDA Director).
The DDA/Main Street façade grant is available each year to commercial buildings within the DDA district (applications can be found: here). The Design Committee budgets $10,000 a year for this program. Their goal is to work with building/business owners to create and sustain an appealing appearance that works to maintain the historical integrity of the building while providing a practical approach to rehabilitation.
Every year, the Design Committee works with nationally recognized science teacher Gary Koppleman and his B.E.L.L. lab at Blissfield Elementary School for the summer flowers that are planted downtown. The Design Committee also arranges the holiday decorations seen downtown. Both of these projects have added to the overall aesthetics and character of Blissfield.
Meetings for the Design Committee take place on the first Tuesday of the month at the Blissfield Village Hall at 5:30pm. Visitors and new members are encouraged to attend!
Chairperson
Mike Gunter
Member
Brenda Butler
Member
Barb McHenry
Member
Todd Treloar
Member
Art Webber
Member
Barrett Divorsky
The Economic Vitality of the Blissfield DDA/Main Street assists new entrepreneurs and established business owners to support economic growth and retention in our downtown.
The Committee also hosts a quarterly networking event (Blissfield After hours) at various locations within the DDA district. These events are informal and offer an opportunity for members of the business community to engage with each other while sharing ideas and happenings with other community leaders.
The committee has partnered with organizations such as the Lenawee Now, the Michigan Small Business Development Center, and SCORE to provide opportunities for our business owners. As we move forward, we will be looking to increase these opportunities by bringing in experts to discuss business planning, business marketing, and more.
The Commerce Committee meets on the last Thursday of each month at the Blissfield Village Hall at 5:30p.m.
Chairperson
April Wolfe
Member
Frank Seely
Member
Julie Goll
Member
Jessica Khazouz