what is the dda?

The Rochester Downtown Development Authority (DDA) was established in 1982 to enhance the quality of life for the City of Rochester residents through revitalization of the downtown district.  The DDA utilizes the Main Street Four-Point Approach, a guiding set of principles for downtown management as set forth by the National Main Street Center, a division of the National Trust for Historic Preservation. The Four-Point Approach includes Design, Organization, Promotions and Economic Restructuring.  The DDA has standing committees assigned to execute the tasks of each of the four points.  Downtown Rochester is a member of Main Street Oakland County, the first county-wide Main Street program in the country.

The DDA Board of Directors includes business owners, property owners, residents and liaison members from the City Council, Chamber of Commerce, Principal Shopping District (PSD) and the Rochester Historical Commission.  The DDA Staff consists of an Executive Director, Marketing Coordinator and Events Coordinator.  The DDA is funded through Tax-Increment Financing (TIF). This means that taxes paid within the DDA District are re-invested in the district annually.

The DDA is proud to be a Nationally Accredited Main Street Community through Main Street America. Additionally, Rochester was named a Great American Main Street Community in 2013 for exceptional accomplishments in preservation-based, commercial district revitalization.

dda vision statement

Rochester is a regional downtown shared by our residents and those of our neighboring communities. All are welcome and encouraged to enjoy our classic Main Street with businesses designed to satisfy diverse shopping, entertaining and service needs. We have a strong link to nature through our parks, waterways and trails. We are proud of our historic roots, continuously adapt to meet the changing needs of the present, and collaboratively work together to improve the quality of life of our community as we embrace the future.

dda mission statement

To maximize the economic development potential of Downtown Rochester for the benefit of the community by maintaining an on going, comprehensive downtown management program with broad-based community involvement, seeking reuse of historic and architecturally significant buildings whenever possible, respecting the natural environment and by preserving downtown’s overall unique historic character.

DDA BOARD OF dIRECTORS

2025 MEETING
SCHEDULE

DDA Contracts