What is the Downtown Development Authority?

The Coopersville Downtown Development Authority is a twelve member board composed of business owners, managers and Coopersville residents.

The DDA is funded through the capture of Coopersville tax dollars otherwise designated to Ottawa County and the City of Coopersville. The Coopersville City Council approves the allocation percentage and coordinates projects with the DDA for the enhancement of the Coopersville community.

Past DDA projects include renovation and parking improvements in back of both sides of the Main Street downtown area and the extension of Main Street. This extension opened a western entrance to the downtown shopping district and now provides a second passage for fire and police protection. The landscaping project in that area enabled the beautification efforts of downtown to continue westward and provide residents of the area a buffer from the industrial zone.

Improvements of water and sewer lines, the burying of telephone and electrical cables, and the addition of new street lights and decorative streetscape with new plantings have made Main Street a destination for residents and visitors alike.

Another project completed by the DDA is the sidewalk from East Street to 68th Avenue. Many residents find the walkway an enjoyable recreational opportunity, and local businesses deem the walk an esthetically pleasing addition to their own landscaping.

Randall Street, from East Street to 64th Avenue, is another project recently completed. The addition of curbs and gutters, the re-grade and paving of the street as well as the addition of decorative lighting and landscaping has improved that major gateway to our city and brought it more in line with the image of downtown.

At times the DDA has purchased properties within the district to insure a viable thriving business community and will consider continuing to do so as the need arises.

Other projects include many infrastructure improvements throughout the district that improve the quality of services but are not quite as visible.

This board is always looking for ways to further revitalize the Coopersville commercial area and has utilized the services of the national consulting firm of HyettPalma to develop an economic enhancement strategy.

The Downtown Development Authority meets the second Tuesday of each month, 5:15 P.M. in the Council Chambers at Coopersville City Hall.