About the DDA
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The DDA meets on the second Wednesday of each month at 6:00 p.m. in the Government Center (315 Bridge St., Elk Rapids, MI 49629).
Executive Director - John Mach
E: jmach@elkrapids.org -
VISION: Elk Rapids is a year-round community offering prosperity and an amazing quality of life for all.
MISSION: Promote the overall health of the business community, while supporting commerce and strengthening the brand of Elk Rapids.
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If you are interested in joining the DDA Board, fill out an application form and either turn it in to the Village Government Center or email it to Village Clerk.
Your application will be kept on file for one year. Vacant seats on the commissions and boards are usually filled in the month of April.
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2025-12-4 | DDA Awarded Grand Traverse Regional Community Foundation Grant
2025-11-21 | MDA Director of Year
2025-10-08 | Strengthening Michigan DDAs
2025-08-13 | Elk Rapids DDA Announces Second Round of Façade Grant Funding
2025-08-13 | Elk Rapids DDA Congratulates Bos Wine on $25,000 Match on Main Grant Award
2025-03-12 | 2025-2026 Façade Grant Program Applications Now Open
2025-02-27 | Elk Rapids DDA Awarded $4,000 Matching Grant from DTE Energy Foundation
2024-11-21 | Elk Rapids DDA Awarded $5,000 Grant for Ames Street Benches Project
2024-10-29 | Elk Rapids DDA Announces Community Development Fellow Application is Live
DDA Documents & Reports
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The primary funding source for the Elk Rapids DDA is Tax Increment Financing or TIF. The DDA is currently governed by the 2011 Downtown Development Plan & Tax Increment Financing Plan with capture from Antrim County, Elk Rapids Township, and the Village of Elk Rapids.
In August 2025, the Village and DDA entered into a Tax Increment Sharing Agreement with Elk Rapids Township. In December 2025, the Village and DDA entered into a Tax Sharing Agreement with Antrim County. These agreements represent a commitment by the County and Township through 2041.
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The FY25 TIF District PA 57 Annual Report was filed in August 2025 with the Michigan Department of Treasury.
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DDA Projects & Resources
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May 28, 2026 - AI in Small Businesses Breakfast Training for DDA District Businesses
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Match on Main is a reimbursement-only grant program administered by the Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC). Grant funding supports defined, place-based projects that help activate commercial districts, encourage private investment, and strengthen local economies.
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The DDA Façade Grant Program aims to stimulate private investment through the rehabilitation and enhancement of façades within the DDA District, emphasizing the support of historic preservation practices. This initiative seeks to enhance the visual appeal of building façades, thereby boosting the economic health of the DDA District.
Congratulations to 2025-2026 Round 2 Facade Grant Award Recipients!
Chalfonte Foundation/Elk Rapids Cinema
Elk Rapids Marina - 603 Bridge Street Building
Click here for more information.
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2025-02-12 | Wayfinding Survey Results Summary
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Holiday Break Merchant Survey 2025-2026
Amex Shop Small Grants Program - 11/29/25 to 1/16/26
Small businesses in need of affordable financing and financial advice can visit Venture North Funding and Development.
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The DDA encourages qualified organizations and businesses that are planning events and activities within the DDA district to apply for funding support.
For more information, please download the DDA FUNDING REQUEST GUIDELINES AND APPLICATION FORM (PDF).
Please submit completed forms to John Mach.
Welcome to the Elk Rapids DDA
The Elk Rapids Downtown Development Authority (DDA) is tasked with analyzing the impact of economic changes in the downtown district and developing plans in coordination with the Village Council and Planning Commission to promote economic revitalization and development in the DDA District.
The most recent Downtown Development Plan and Tax Increment Financing Plan was adopted in 2011.
DDA District Map
The portion of the map shaded in purple is the DDA District. The DDA's primary goals are to boost business activity, attract private money, enhance public spaces, and make the district more appealing for businesses, residents, and visitors.
For information regarding our downtown merchants, please click the button below.
