City of Ionia

Downtown Development Authority (DDA)

Welcome to Downtown Ionia! A great place to locate your business.

Meet Our DDA Director

Linda Curtis, Director, Downtown Development AuthorityLinda Curtis is Director of the City of Ionia Downtown Development Authority.

In downtown Ionia you will find a variety of restaurants, shops, and businesses located in a historic setting.  Take a moment to enjoy the picturesque atmosphere and the friendly, personal service our local businesses provide.

Hours
Monday - Friday, 8 a.m. - 5 p.m.

Contact
203 West Main Street
P.O. Box 496
Ionia, Michigan  48846

Phone 616-527-1420
Fax 616-527-0810
Email lcurtis@ci.ionia.mi.us

About the DDA

City Founding. Ionia was established in 1833, and the development of its downtown commercial district followed shortly after. The growth of the community continued with the establishment of a U.S. Land Office, two railroad lines, and numerous commercial, manufacturing, and agricultural businesses.

Downtown Ionia Today. Downtown Ionia retains much of its historical commercial architecture with many buildings dating back to the late 1800s and early 1900s. The Ionia County Courthouse (1886), City Hall (1908), Armory Community Center (1908), Post Office (1912), and Ionia Theatre (1931) all remain in use today.

DDA Establishment. The Ionia DDA was established in 1989 as specified in Public Act 197 of 1975. Funding for projects is directed to improving the downtown district area through economic development, business recruitment and retention, public improvements, downtown beautification, marketing and promotion, and special events.

The mission of the Ionia Downtown Development Authority (DDA) is to promote and control economic growth which enhances the quality of life through planning and implementation of activities and projects within the Development District.

Since its establishment, the DDA has been involved with these projects and many more:

  • Acquisition and restoration of the historic Ionia Theatre
  • Development of “the Point” area along South Steele Street
  • Façade improvements and grant programs
  • Improvements to the Ionia Free Fair grandstands
  • Street, sidewalk, and parking lot improvements including the installation of red bricks along Main Street
  • Water and sewer upgrades

DDA District Map

The City of Ionia has a large Downtown Development Authority District that extends through the downtown and to the main commercial and industrial corridors of the City. The full DDA District Map is provided below for reference.

DDA Board of Directors

Terms Expiring December 31, 2023

  • Margot Cook
  • Ryan Wilson
Terms Expiring December 31, 2024

  • Dave Cook
  • John Krueger
Terms Expiring December 31, 2025

  • Paul Edds
  • Heather Poland-Sizemore
Terms Expiring December 31, 2026

  • Mike Kirgis
  • Ben Weller
Chief Executive Officer

  • City Manager Precia Garland

Vacant Property Inventory for Downtown

The City of Ionia has compiled a list of vacant properties in the Downtown Development Authority (DDA) District. The owners of these properties are actively looking for new tenants. The document provided below serves as an inventory of these properties. Basic details of the available spaces and property owner contact information have been included.

Questions regarding this list should be directed toward DDA Director Linda Curtis at lcurtis@ci.ionia.mi.us.

"Place Matters" Video

Documents and Links

DDA Board Meeting Agendas and Minutes can be found on the Agendas and Minutes page linked below.

Go to Link:
DDA Agendas and Minutes

Various businesses in and around Ionia!

Download Document:
Downtown Business Directory (PDF)

The DDA Board meets at 8:00 am on the third Wednesday of each month at Ionia City Hall, located at 114 N. Kidd St. The public is welcome to attend.

Download Document:
DDA 2023 Meeting Schedule (PDF)

This permit application must be filled out and returned 30 days prior to the event. However, this request does not approve street closures or approval for the parade, as that will be determined pending an administrative approval process following the application.

Download Document:
Parade and Street Closure Permit Application (PDF)

This annual event occurs in downtown Ionia. The DDA director and committee, plan the details to make each year of the festival the best it can be. From 'official characters' to activities, vendors, participants, to the showing of the original film at the historical Ionia theatre, each year grows with enthusiasm for this marvelous event.

Download Documents:
Celebrity Biography Ron Baxley Jr (PDF)
Celebrity Biography Karen Armstrong Owens (PDF)
Celebrity Biography Amanda Wallace (PDF)
Celebrity Biography James C. Wallace, II (PDF)
Celebrity Biography Ralph Zellem (PDF)

Brownfield Redevelopment Authority Meeting Agendas and Minutes

Please visit our City Agendas, Minutes, Meeting Schedule page.

Bridge Light Display Application

City Council can approve lighting display requests for the Fred Meijer Grand River Valley Rail Trail Pedestrian Bridge. A non-profit organization or governmental unit must submit an application for the request.

Food Truck Permits

The City of Ionia regulates all food trucks as Mobile Food Vending Units (MFVUs) in Chapter 1293 of the City Codified Ordinances. A permit is required to operate anywhere within the City's corporate boundary. Food trucks associated with a public event/street closure will need to be included on the Parade and Street Closure permit application.

All regulations related to food trucks can be found in the attached Chapter 1293. The permit applications associated with food trucks are also attached below.

Street Banner Application

Requests to hang banners on the City lampposts and poles can be made to City Council when the purpose is related to a general public interest. A non-profit organization or governmental unit must submit the vertical pole banner application for the request.

Ionia Harvest Market

The Ionia Harvest Market (formerly Ionia Farmers’ Market) starting Saturday, July 1st from 9:00 AM to 2:00 PM will be located on the corner of M-66 and Steele Street in the grassy area in front of Michigan One Credit Union. Fresh fruits, vegetables, maple syrup, honey, bedding plants, crafts and so much more are welcome. Vendors may register for a seasonal or daily pass. Project Fresh, Senior Project Fresh, WIC, Bridge, and SNAP programs are welcome. Join us for a visit or as a vendor beginning each Saturday from July through October 7th. For more information, contact Market Director Elisabeth Haight by email at ioniaharvestmarketplace@gmail.com.

Visit the Ionia Harvest Market Facebook page for the latest information and updates.

City Calendar

City of Ionia City Calendar

114 North Kidd Street Map
Post Office Box 496
Ionia, Michigan 48846
Phone 616-527-4170

Fax 616-527-0810

Business Hours:
Monday - Friday, 8:00a - 4:00p
(Holiday exception)

EMERGENCIES: PHONE 911

For local news and information,
tune to WION AM 1430/FM 92.7
or read the Ionia Sentinel-Standard