Downtown Muskegon's lakeside location comes with the added benefit of excess sand.  Learn from the DDA's Dave Alexander what they've done to capture this resource and convert it into a fun community resource.  And, did you say social district?  See what happens when you mix sand and a watering hole.

The presence of public art can really make a downtown shine!  Learn from Anne Gentry, Executive Director of the Alpena DDA, how its public art initiative called Fresh Waves has deepened Alpena's connection to its important waterfront location.  And, find out how its approach is yielding results that will have a lasting impact on walkability and creative placemaking.

Starting on Friday, May 21, 2021, and through the night, a devastating fire tore through a block of Downtown Calumet, leaving in its wake three unsalvageable buildings.  Learn from Village Manager Caleb Katz, how the spirit of Copper Country is contributing to relief efforts and what is the potential for redevelopment of this high-visibility location.

Clean, safe and attractive are adjectives that describe the bones of a great downtown.

Learn how Flint Township combined basic maintenance activities with community pride in this initiative to clean up its commercial, recreational and residential areas.  Tracey Tucker, Economic Enhancement DIrector, discusses how township citizens and partners decided to make a difference through Clean-Up Saturdays.

When the Southwest Detroit Business Association set out to assist local restaurants survive during the COVID-19 pandemic, an opportunity to capitalize on branding and cultural expression emerged.  Hear from SDBA Vice-President Jennifer Gomez how the effort evolved from the ordinary to the extraordinary by blending an emergent need with creativity and partnerships.

When a disastrous fire claimed a mid-block building in Downtown Lapeer, the community and the DDA went to work to dream up what could become of this new-found space.  The creation of a pocket park fit the bill.  Learn from James Alt, Lapeer DDA Director, how this phoenix rose from the ashes!

When the Charlevoix library identified a need for co-working space,  DDA Director Lindsey Dotson wasted no time in engaging in the conversation. Learn how community discussions led to the launch of The Vault.

Welcome to In MI Downtown, where you can learn about unique, impactful projects happening in downtowns all over the State of Michigan.  In MI Downtown is a production of the Michigan Downtown Association.

In this episode, learn how the Farmington Downtown Development Authority utilized its Public Art Blueprint to jumpstart the presence of public art in the downtown district.

This podcast is hosted by Annette Knowles, MDA board member with special guest Kate Knight, Executive Director the Farmington Downtown Development Authority.  Thank you, Kate, for sharing your story!

Welcome to In MI Downtown, where you can learn about unique, impactful projects happening in downtowns all over the State of Michigan.  In MI Downtown is a production of the Michigan Downtown Association.

In this first episode ever, learn how the Farmington Downtown Development Authority created a plan to increase the presence of public art in its downtown.

This podcast is co-hosted by Annette Knowles, former Executive Director of the Farmington DDA, with help from Mackenzie Swanson.  Thank you for keeping it on track, Mackenzie!