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Deb Davidson

Department Information
What is the DDA?
Public Act 197 of 1975 - Establishment of a Downtown Development Authority
What is Tax Increment Financing? (requires Adobe Acrobat)
Development Plan & Tax Increment Financing Plan (requires Adobe Acrobat)
Frequently Asked Questions
DDA District Map
Strategic Plan
Bylaws
2007 Plan Amendments

Deb Davidson - (269) 637-0748
Downtown Development Authority Director


History: On July 16, 1982, the City Council of the City of South Haven adopted Ordinance No. 647 creating and establishing the Downtown Development Authority of the City of South Haven. In creating and establishing the DDA, the City found that the DDA was necessary for the best interests of the public to halt property value deterioration and increase property tax valuation where possible in the City’s business district, to eliminate the causes of said deterioration, and to promote economic growth.

On May 15, 2000, the City Council adopted Ordinance No. 881, amending Ordinance No. 647, and adding additional property to the Downtown District of the Downtown Development Authority, and restating the Articles of Incorporation of the DDA.

In November 2000, the Authority created the Downtown Development Plan & Tax Increment Financing Plan. This plan is a long-term list of projects for improvements to the district for the next 20 years. The improvements are financed by tax increment financing “tax capture” in the DDA district.

Throughout the year 2005, the DDA Board of Directors engaged in a strategic planning process resulting not only in a Strategic Plan but also a Bylaws revision and a Mission Statement:

The Downtown Development Authority (DDA) is to be a leader in helping to fulfill the City of South Haven Municipal Plan; through planning, funding, and development of projects within the DDA District which promote, encourage and contribute to the overall economic growth and development of the community.

The Strategic Plan and the Bylaws can be found at the links at left. Links to other DDA activities are listed below.

MSU Small Town Design Available Commercial Property
Completed Development Projects Streetscape Projects

The DDA meets the first Wednesday of the month at 12:00 PM at City Hall. The meetings are open to the public.

Current Board of Directors
Jim Marcoux Dave Putman
George Sass Becky Pearce
Andrea Olson Robert Burr
Arnie Zuckerman Mayor Dorothy Appleyard
Robert Kripatis