Downtown Development Authority

Elections

Michigan Election Law provides that elections must be held on only four (4) predetermined dates throughout the year:

The fourth Tuesday in February

The first Tuesday after the first Monday in May

The first Tuesday after the first Monday in August

The first Tuesday after the first Monday in November

Polls are open from 7 am to 8 pm on Election Day.

The City of St. Joseph’s Downtown Development Authority was created on October 11, 1976 by the City Commission as authorized under the current Public Act 57 of 2018 by the state of Michigan which replaced the original Public Act 197 of 1975.

Contact Information:

Acting DDA Director: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
Community Development Director

Address:                        City Hall, 700 Broad Street, St. Joseph, MI 49085
Phone:                           (269) 983-1212
Fax:                               (269) 985-0347

Purpose of the Downtown Development Authority

The DDA can carry out tasks associated with the planning and improvement of the downtown area through a range of eligible public projects, including streetscape, landscaping or utilities along with assistance to developers in the improvement of real estate with the DDA boundaries.

Properties within the DDA boundaries are assessed a 1.977 mills per $1,000 taxable value. Money is spent on the following: 1) staff that keeps the sidewalks clean throughout the year; 2) seasonal decorations and plantings; 3) cardboard recycling containers; 4) special projects as needed; and 5) financial support of St. Joseph Today. As allowed support is given to other activities within the DDA boundaries.

The Downtown Development Authority Board (DDA) is made up of nine (9) members who are appointed by the City Commission to a four (4) year term, unless appointed to fill a vacant seat. In accordance with Michigan state law, the DDA Board shall consist of nine members under the following:

(a) The members shall be appointed for a term of four years and the appointments shall be staggered for two appointments each year;
(b) One Board member shall be the Mayor, as Chief Executive Officer, of the City of St. Joseph, however, the term of the Mayor shall expire upon resignation from or expiration of his/her position as Mayor;
(c) At least a majority of the members shall be persons having an interest in property located in the downtown district or officers, members, trustees, principals, or employees of a legal entity having in interest in property located in the downtown district; and
(d) At least one of the members shall be a resident of the downtown district if 100 or more persons reside within the district.

Current Members and Appointments

The City Clerk’s Office maintains the list of current members and the application for appointment to all City Boards and Commissions. All completed applications must be returned to the City Clerk’s Office at City Hall, 700 Broad Street for processing.

Meetings

Beginning in 2019 the DDA Board regular meetings are generally scheduled for the first Thursday of each month beginning at 8:00 a.m. All meetings are open to the public and take place in the Commission Chambers at City Hall, 700 Broad Street.

Agenda packets and approved meeting minutes are posted on the website.

Downtown Development Authority Boundaries

Since the creation of the DDA in 1975 the boundaries of the district have been changed by City Ordinance twice. The last change took place in 2013.
Below is general information of the current 2013 boundaries:

Total land area: 41-acres
Number of parcels: 144 individual parcels
Number of dwelling units: 185 (including 136 units at the Whitcom)
Number of parcels owned
by the City of St. Joseph: 10 parcels which includes 9 surface parking lots.

Miscellaneous Other Information and Documents

2014 Downtown Sidewalk Amenities Policy. The 2014 Downtown Sidewalk Amenities Policy was adopted in 2014 and allows businesses to temporarily place chairs and tables on the public sidewalk from April 1st through November 1st and advertising sandwich board signs year round. The City Clerk’s Office is responsible for granting annual permission for placement of public tables and chairs or advertising sandwich boards on the public sidewalk.

2015 Downtown Area Parking Map. Within the DDA boundaries there are over 1,200 surface public parking spaces found on the street and in surface parking lots. In addition there are several private lots. These lots are used by customers, residents, visitors and business owners. The 2015 Downtown Area Parking Map depicts the hourly limits of the different public parking options. Currently parking is free within the DDA boundaries.

The St. Joseph Public Safety Department is responsible for the enforcement of parking regulations.

2019 Business and Property Owner Information. The 2019 Business and Property Owner Information brochure provides general information regarding the Downtown Development Authority.

St. Joseph Today. St. Joseph Today is a non-profit 501(c)3 organization founded in 1979. Its mission is to enhance the image and recognition of St. Joseph and its surrounding communities, promote business and tourism development and to augment the effort of local governmental units. They are dedicated to serving visitors, residents and local businesses.
They coordinate and organize over 60 events that take place within the City of St. Joseph which includes the weekly seasonal farmers market.