DDA

City of Wayne

Downtown Development Authority

The Downtown Development Authority has a mission to undertake public improvements that have the greatest impact on strengthening the Downtown area and attracting new investment. Wayne's DDA includes all of Michigan Avenue and Wayne Road plus a large block of industrial property in southwest corridor of the City.

The DDA has launched several beautification projects including streetscape and parking lot improvements. They have played an important role in developing the three, beautiful, City-operated hiking trails which border the District, as well as several other fun events downtown partnering with Wayne Main Street.

Come and see what Wayne has to offer you!

Purpose of the Downtown Development Authority

Public Act 57 of 2018, commonly referred to as the Downtown Development Authority Act, was created in part to correct and prevent deterioration of business districts; to promote economic growth and revitalization; to encourage historic preservation; to authorize the acquisition and disposal of interests in real and personal property; to authorize the creation of downtown development authorities; to authorize the levy and collection of taxes, the issuance of bonds and the use of tax increment financing in the accomplishment of specific downtown development activities contained in locally-adopted development plans.

The Act seeks to reverse historical trends that have led to the loss of population, jobs, businesses and the quality of life in our cities by attacking the problems of urban decline, strengthening existing areas and encourage new private developments in the downtown districts of Michigan communities. It seeks to accomplish this goal by providing communities with the necessary legal, monetary and organizational tools to revitalize downtown districts either through public-initiated projects or in concert with privately motivated development projects.

City of Wayne

Downtown Development Authority

Façade Improvement Grant

The City of Wayne DDA (Downtown Development Authority) is pleased to announce a new Grant Opportunity for Façade Improvement’s.

Businesses located within the DDA corridor (Wayne Rd. and Michigan Ave.) who are looking to improve the overall appearance of their location may apply for this grant and be reimbursed for up to 50% of their project costs with a maximum reimbursement of $10,000.00.

The purpose of the Grant is to encourage the redevelopment of deteriorated or otherwise blighted real property and to stimulate economic development in the downtown district by assisting projects which promote long-term economic growth and diversity in the downtown district.

Items covered by the grant are new windows, signage, awnings and doors just to name a few. Simply visit the City of Wayne’s website, www.cityofwayne.com and visit the DDA page to review the policy and print the application. Three (3) written estimates of the costs associated with the project provided by outside contractors, including a cost breakdown by category, such as electrical, carpentry, masonry, or other projected costs are preferred. A minimum of two proposals are required. Special circumstances involving one bid will be reviewed by the DDA Director.

Only one (1) grant of TIF revenue for façade improvements will be awarded to any property owner, zoning parcel, or tax parcel during any twelve (12) month period, commencing on the date of the grant of TIF funds. In some circumstances, the DDA Board shall have the authority to approve additional grants to a previously approved applicant during the 12 month period should funds be available and all other applications have been considered. In no circumstances shall any applicant receive more than $20,000.00 in a 12 month period.

Please call, Lori Gouin, DDA Director at 734-722-2002 or e-mail: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. for more information.

GRANT APPLICATION FOR FACADE IMPROVEMENTS - Click to view

DDA Board Members:

David Steinhauer, Professional Insurance -Chairman

James Demmer, Jack Demmer Ford - Vice Chairman

Scott Gocaj, US 12 Bar and Grill- Secretary/Treasurer

Vince Law, Law Auto

John Rhasea, Mayor

Kim White-Jenkins, Helium Studio

Walter Bender, Tropical Smoothie Café

Abe Chahrour, Chahrour Investments

Piere' LaShaye Walker, Resident

The DDA Board meets on the second Wednesdays of every month at 6pm in City Council Chambers at 3355 S. Wayne Road Wayne, MI 48184.