Downtown Development Authority
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.
Board Members
Frank Seely
Current Chair
Appointed on 09/26/2022
April Wolfe
Vice Chair
Appointed on 11/28/2022
Brenda Butler
Current Secretary
Appointed on 06/09/2014
Mike Gunter
Council Representative
Appointed on 11/24/2014
Brian Doolittle
Member
Appointed on 03/24/2025
Heather Marks
Member
Appointed on 02/25/2019
Barb McHenry
Member
Appointed on 06/26/2006
James Eitzen
Member
Appointed on 01/13/2025
Julie Goll
Member
Appointed on 06/26/2023
Heather Nichols
Member
Appointed on 10/14/2024
Hailey Sills
Junior Member
Appointed on 05/27/2025
About the DDA
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.
The Blissfield DDA/Main Street organization was founded on June 23, 2010 by Governor Jennifer Granholm. Since then, volunteers have put in tens of thousands of hours to make this program a success. Their efforts have produced exciting events and projects aimed at improving and celebrating our great historic community.
Village of Blissfield TIF Plan – What is a TIF Plan? Tax-increment financing (TIF) is a redevelopment tool that allows increased property taxes generated because of new development to be captured by a separate legal taxing authority.
Our Projects:
Visitor Profile & Event Analysis
DDA / Economic Development Director
Since 2022Laura Nichols
Economic Vitality
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. For more information, please contact DDA Director, Laura Nichols, at (517)486-4347 or at mainstreet@blissfieldmichigan.gov
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.
Committee Members
April Wolfe (Chairman)
Frank Seely
Julie Goll
Jessica Khazouz
Design Team
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, Laura Nichols, at (517) 486-4347 for more information).
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!
Committee Members
Mike Gunter (Chairperson)
Brenda Butler
Barb McHenry
Todd Treloar
Art Webber
Barrett Divorsky
Events & Outreach
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!
Committee Members
Ann Lambrix
Heather Marks
Sarah Kerekgyarto
Address
130 S. Lane St
Blissfield, MI 49228