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 Board of Directors

Terms Expiring December 31, 2021

  • Paul Lentz
  • Cathy Hoppough
Terms Expiring December 31, 2022

  • Mike Kirgis
  • Tim Hemenway
Terms Expiring December 31, 2023

  • Margot Cook
  • Olivia Blomstrom
  • Mayor Balice
Terms Expiring December 31, 2024

  • Dave Cook
  • John Krueger

Documents and Links

Annual Report

Download Document:
2020 Annual Report (PDF)

Agendas and Minutes

Bi-Annual Report PA 57

The Ionia Downtown Development Authority (DDA) was originally organized in 1981. After a period of inactivity, the DDA reorganized in 1989. At this time, a Tax Increment Financing Plan (TIF) and a 2 mill tax were created to generate additional income for improvements. In addition, the boundaries of the DDA were greatly expanded beyond the original central business district. The mission of the Ionia 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.

Download Documents:
December 2020 Bi-Annual Report PA57 (PDF)
2020 Bi-Annual Report PA57 (PDF)
DDA Bi-Annual Report September 2019 (PDF)

Business Directory

Various businesses in and around Ionia!

Download Document:
Business Directory Brochure (PDF)

DDA Newsletter

Ionia Mural Project

Through the Mural Project, the community’s rich history will again come alive on the brick exterior of the majestic Ionia Theatre. The Ionia Theatre is located on the first block of the downtown. It was chosen as a site for the first mural to begin the story.

Download Document:
Ionia Mural Project Brochure and Donor Form (PDF)

Lamppost Sponsorship Form

An annual garland wrapping of the historical lampposts that line the Streets of the business district, is a most welcome sight! Sponsor a fresh garland wrap in memory or in honor of someone, or something. Thank you for your consideration.

Download Document:
Lamppost Sponsorship Form (PDF)

Meeting Schedule

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:
2021 Meeting Schedule DDA and Brownfield Redevelopment Authority (PDF)
Go to Link:
City Calendar Page (Shows DDA Board Meetings)

Planning Information

Redevelopment Ready Communities

To be vibrant and competitive, Michigan communities must be ready for development. This involves planning for new investment and reinvestment, identifying assets and opportunities, and focusing limited resources. Certified Redevelopment Ready Communities® attract and retain businesses, offer superior customer service and have a streamlined development approval process making pertinent information available around-the clock for anyone to view. Source: RRC website.

Download Documents:
Site Plan Review (PDF)
Capital Improvement Plan (PDF)
Community Participation Plan (PDF)

Street Closure Parade Request Form

This form must be filled out and returned within 60 days of the request. However, this request does not approve street closures or approval for parade, as that will be determined pending an approval process to follow.

Download Document:
Street Closure/Parade Request Form (PDF)

Tax Increment Financing Plan

Explanation of a Downtown Development Authority (DDA; and the financial responsibility of individual entities within a DDA's responsibility.

Download Document:
DDA and Tax Increment Financing Plans (PDF)

Wizard of Oz Festival

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)

Quick Links:

How May We Help You?

City Income Tax

Community News

Downtown Development Authority (DDA)

Forms

How Do I ?

Ionia Theatre

Online Payments

Parks & Recreation

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

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