DDA Structure and Boundary

The Traverse City Downtown Development Authority (DDA), or affectionately referred to as Downtown Traverse City, includes the DDA, the Downtown Traverse City Association (DTCA), Traverse City Parking Services (TCPS), and the Traverse City Arts Commission (TCAC) and is unique in terms of organization and operational funding. 

The DDA manages the DTCA, TCPS, and TCAC. Aside from improvements in financing and communications, the merger of these organizations has had the added benefit of creating clear roles.

Created in 1979, the DDA is involved in retail and office recruitment efforts, public improvements such as streetscapes, partnerships with Traverse City Light & Power to bury utilities, and planning and development issues. The DDA also works with local, state and federal partners to accomplish goals set forth by the City of Traverse City Capital Improvement Plan. Funded through a 2 mil levy and management contracts, the DDA serves as the conduit for funds through contracts and employs all downtown staff. Public improvements are funded through two Tax Increment Financing plans, TIF 97 and Old Town TIF. (scroll to the bottom of this page for a map of the DDA District). The DDA also operates the Sara Hardy Downtown Farmers Market. The organization is governed by a twelve member board appointed by the City Commission. For a list of current DDA board members click here.

Downtown Traverse City Association
The DTCA, a voluntary organization of merchants and other businesses, was organized in the 1960’s and serves as the marketing arm for downtown. In 1990, the two organizations signed a management agreement merging their offices and staff. Aside from improvements in financing and communications, the merger has had the added benefit of creating clear roles for the two organizations. Listed below are the major areas of responsibility. For information on all things Downtown TC, visit downtowntc.com.

Focusing its attention on marketing and promotion, the DTCA oversees all communication pieces including a monthly newsletter, monthly broadsheets, various promotional brochures, and a downtown website. In addition, the organization supervises over 20 annual events downtown, such as Friday Night Live, Downtown Art Walk, Traverse City Restaurant Week, and Shop Your Community Day. Responsible for retention efforts, the DTCA has an employee discount card program for downtown office and retail workers, and conducts numerous workshops and training sessions for business managers, owners and employees. A Downtown Gift Certificate program has been in place for many years. Promoting local spending, the program generates over $683,000 in sales annually. The DTCA collects dues from members on an annual basis and the membership elects a nine member board which meets monthly.

Traverse City Parking Services
Since 1991, the DDA has managed the city’s parking system, including Northwestern Michigan College, the Larry C. Hardy and Old Town Parking Garages, street meters, and various parking lots throughout Downtown Traverse City. Here, you will find more information on where to park with a user friendly interactive map and information on permits, parking violations, and more.

TCPS is a City enterprise responsible for public parking in downtown and other areas of the city. Funding does not come from the city’s general fund. Instead, TCPS operates out of a separate enterprise fund that is self-sustaining. Traverse City Parking, through the DDA, operates numerous city-owned and leased parking facilities mainly in downtown Traverse City.

The DDA District
The DDA District is comprised of the core of downtown and old town, as shown below. This district includes the bulk of Traverse City’s restaurants and retail, along with popular stretches of waterfront and several beloved parks and public spaces.

The DDA district is formed by the combined boundaries of comprised of two Tax Increment Financing (TIF) Districts: Old Town TIF and TIF 97. These boundaries can be seen below.