DDA Is Seeking Board and Committee Members
The Iron Mountain Downtown Development Authority (DDA) is currently looking for people to serve on the DDA Board of Directors. This is a unique opportunity to be involved in setting the direction of a variety of high-visibility and impactful activities including events, beautification, and business development. All of those activities are also guided by committees of the same name, consisting of Board members, business owners, residents, and other interested stakeholders.
Serving on the DDA Board is a volunteer activity that demonstrates a firm commitment to the economic potential and vibrancy of the Iron Mountain area, which is anchored by the downtown. This is an opportunity for creative and forward thinking people to guide and influence the activities leading to successful downtown events and festivals, improving public spaces, buildings, and infrastructure, and promoting businesses. All of those activities foster an attractive, vibrant, and economically growing heart of our community. To find out more about the DDA Board and committees, and to apply, go to the Board Info page.
– – –
The Iron Mountain Downtown Development Authority (DDA) was established in 1978 with the purpose of improving and maintaining infrastructure, buildings, and public spaces within the Downtown District. Current DDA functions also include downtown beautification through gardens and public art, organizing and conducting community events, attracting and promoting businesses, and planning for continuing improvements to the Iron Mountain downtown area.
DDA Sponsorship Opportunities Available Now
The Iron Mountain Downtown Development Authority (DDA) has some great opportunities for getting in on the action for the summer events season by becoming a sponsor, and we want everyone to know what is available – that’s why we put all of the information right here on the website at the Sponsorship Opportunities page.
These opportunities include a wide variety of choices for marketing your business or organization while supporting some important community activities such as Out to Lunch, downtown flowers, and Italian Fest, just to name a few. The DDA has developed a range of unique sponsorship opportunities to suit just about any preference, so everyone is offered a good fit for supporting our great community activities and investing in the present and future of Downtown Iron Mountain.
The marketing exposure of your sponsorship goes a long way. At a minimum, we’re promoting all sponsors and supporters on our website. Then for larger sponsors, there’s mention in print, radio, and TV interviews and ads, “clickable” linked logos on the DDA website, and also logos on social media posts and signage. For the top tier sponsors – generally $4000 to $6500 – there are benefits like co-hosting Facebook posts, banners at events, and naming rights for the Downtown Stage.
Please take a look at the entire lineup of opportunities on the Sponsorship Opportunities page for more information!
Building Improvement Grant Program 2024 Open for Applications Until March 29
With the new and improved Building Improvement Grant (BIG) program, the DDA keeps moving ahead with a long-standing tradition of providing assistance for renovation and improvement of buildings in our historic downtown – something that started in 2009. Since then, DDA funding has been involved in renovating about 20 Downtown Iron Mountain buildings.
The BIG program provides up to $20,000 per year, and up to $10,000 per project to fund downtown building improvements. To receive a grant award, the property involved (the applicant) must attain a minimum score of 50 points, and the maximum attainable score is 100 points.
Applications area open until March 29, 2024. A grant review panel will review the applications on April 24, 2024 and applicants are strongly encouraged to present their proposals at City Hall on that date. The DDA Board of Directors will vote on final awards on May 13, 2024 and the selected applicants will be notified by May 15, 2024.
To get all of the details, visit the Building Improvement Grant page on this website and download the program information and application by clicking on the big green button near the bottom of the page.
Our Vision, Mission & Purpose
We strive to create a flourishing, historic downtown destination in Iron Mountain, Michigan.
We promote economic growth by organizing community events, attracting new businesses and advancing the beautification and historic preservation within the Downtown District.
We exist to advocate and strengthen Iron Mountain’s entire Downtown District.
The Downtown Development Authority (DDA) Board of Directors and staff coordinate Downtown Iron Mountain programs and events, advance the organization’s vision, mission, and purpose, and promote downtown businesses through website, social media, print publications, and other channels. The DDA conducts roughly 20 events and festivals every year, coordinates planting of flower gardens and hanging baskets throughout the downtown area, and engages in other beautification activities such as placement of street banners. The DDA also continues its long-standing local grant program to assist in the renovation of downtown buildings and elimination of blight. All of these DDA functions bring about a more vibrant, fun, and diverse center of the community.
The DDA relies upon, and is grateful for, the participation of over 130 volunteers who serve on committees, assist in conducting events, and plant & water flowers / gardens. Downtown Iron Mountain festivals and events are attended by thousands of people every year, and are sponsored by many different organizations downtown and throughout the community. Sponsors can partner with the DDA to contribute to the economic vitality of Iron Mountain while enjoying unique opportunities for marketing exposure. Please browse the pages of this website to become familiar with DDA activities and events, and contact us if you have any questions or would like to get involved by volunteering, sponsoring, or serving on the Board or committees.