What is the Downtown Development Authority (DDA)?
The Act (1975) was developed to encourage historic preservation, halt property value deterioration, to increase property tax valuation in the business district, to eliminate causes of deterioration and to promote economic growth. The DDA may acquire and dispose of personal and real property.
The DDA is financed from the capture of new revenues from incremental increases in property assessments occurring within the district. The DDA may levy and collect taxes, and issue bonds. DDA members are appointed by the Village President, subject to the approval of the Village Council.
The Village Council must approve the DDA improvement plan, its annual budget and financing plan. Kent City DDA, The Kent City Downtown Development Authority and District was created on February 12, 1989.
The DDA has helped finance or totally fund the following improvements: – New sidewalk construction – Sidewalk replacement – Infrastructure – Park improvements – Tyrone Township Fire Dept. well – Streetscape.
Façade Enhancement Program 2018 – The purpose of the Façade Enhancement Program is to provide assistance to owners of properties classified as C1 & C2 located within the boundaries of the Kent City Downtown Development Authority for the purpose of renovation and upgrade to the façade on existing buildings. For full program information and application call the Village Office at 616-678-7232.
| DDA Member | Title | Term Expires | |
| Andrew Bostwick | Chair | Previous Business Owner | 2020 |
| Nick Lewis | Vice Chairperson | Business Representative | 2021 |
| Sharon Olson | Secretary | Business Owner | 2019 |
| Kathy Ignasiak | Previous Business Owner | 2022 | |
| Glenn Crabtee | Resident | 2022 | |
| Liz Knapp | Township Library | 2021 | |
| Bert Rose | Village President | by position | |
| Jason Fulton | Resident | 2023 | |
| Vacant | 2022 |