The Mission Statement of the DDA is: The DDA will be the catalyst for enhancing the overall health of the business community while preserving the

character and supporting commerce in Elk Rapids.

The Vision Statement of the DDA is: Creating a vibrant sustainable place where people and business thrive.

Conflict of Interest Statement: ANY DDA MEMBER WHO BELIEVES THAT HE OR SHE HAS A CONFLICT OF INTEREST REGARDING ANY ITEM ON THIS

AGENDA SHALL SO STATE THAT CONFLICT. DOES ANY MEMBER BELIEVE THEY HAVE A CONFLICT OF INTEREST

REGARDING ANY ITEM ON THIS AGENDA?

DOWNTOWN DEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY REGULAR MEETING AGENDA

Wednesday, December 13th, 2017 at 6:30 PM Governmental Center, 315 Bridge Street

Board Members - Please notify The Chair or Village Office if you will not be attending 1. Call to Order 2. Roll Call 3. Approval of Agenda 4. Approval of Minutes of Regular Meeting of November 8th , 2017; Special Meeting November 15th, 2017 5. Public Comments- Citizen Comments 6. Treasurer’s Report

a. Financials –attached separately 7. Coordinator’s Report – attached separately 8. Sub Committees

a. Events Committee i. Approval of Minutes

1. November 9, 2017 2. December 6, 2017

ii. Events Business b. Infrastructure Committee

i. Approval of Minutes 1. December 6, 2017

ii. Infrastructure Business iii. Speedway Lease Revenue Projects

1. Proposed Budget c. Business Development

i. Approval of Minutes 1. November 8, 2017

ii. Business Development Business 9. Unfinished Business

a. Project Updates i. Façade Grant Status

ii. TC to Charlevoix Trail b. Budget Planning

10. New Business a. DDA Action Policy/Practice b. Chamber Broadband Proposal

11. Public Comments – General 12. Adjournment

PUBLIC NOTICE ANNOUNCEMENT VILLAGE OF ELK RAPIDS NOTICE OF COMPLIANCE WITH ADA MEETINGS

The Village of Elk Rapids shall provide reasonable auxiliary aids and services, such as signers for the hearing impaired and individuals with disabilities at meetings/hearings upon five (5) days’ notice to the Village. Individuals requiring auxiliary aids or services should contact the Village of Elk Rapids by writing or calling the following: William Cooper, Village Manager PO Box 398 315 Bridge St. Elk Rapids, MI 49629 (231)

With seven days advance notice, accommodations can be made for persons with disabilities and/or limited English speaking ability, and persons needing auxiliary aids of services of interpreters, signers, readers or large print. Con siete días de anticipación, el alojamiento se pueden hacer las personas con discapacidad y / o capacidad limitada de habla Inglés, y las personas que necesitan ayudas auxiliares de servicios de intérpretes, los firmantes, lectores o en letra grande. Với bảy ngày thông báo trước, phòng có thể được thực hiện cho người khuyết tật và / hoặc hạn chế khả năng nói tiếng Anh, và những người cần hỗ trợ các dịch vụ phụ trợ của thông dịch viên, những người ký tên, người đọc hoặc in lớn. Nrog xya hnub ua ntej daim ntawv ceeb toom, kev kho kom haum yuav ua rau cov neeg muaj kev tsis taus thiab / los yog tsis tau lus Askiv hais lus muaj peev xwm, thiab cov neeg hu ua deductible lwm yam kev pab ntawm cov kev pab cuam ntawm cov neeg txhais lus, signers, txawj nyeem ntawv los yog sau loj.

與7天前通知，住宿可以為殘疾人和/或有限的英語口語能力，並需要口譯，簽名，讀者或大型印刷服務

的輔助器材的人的人進行。 ين, او ارئ شارة, ق غة اال ل ين ب ص ت ين, مخ ترجم ير م وف كن ت م ام, ي عة اي ب س بق من س عار م ش مع وجود اة. طالق ة ب يزي ل ج غة االن ل لمون ال ك ت ن ي ذي ء الال صة, وهؤال خا ياجات ال ت ذوي االح حجم ل يرة ال ب حروف ك

DDA Regular Meeting DRAFT Minutes Wednesday, November 8, 2017

Government Center, 315 Bridge Street

1. Meeting called to order @ 6:31 by Thomas.

2. Roll Call Present: Fitzpatrick, Haley, Knecht, Janisse, Simpson, Thomas, Wayne, Wittbrodt, Witte Also present: Amanda Baker, Bill Cooper 3. Approval of Agenda Motion by Knecht, second by Wittbrodt to approve. Motion carried. 4. Approval of Minutes of Regular Meeting of October 11, 2017. Motion by Wayne, second by Knecht to approve. Motion carried.

5. Public Comment - General Public - None 6. Treasurer’s Report - Cooper noted that a $16,100 revenue item was added to the budget. This is half of the Speedway Lease revenue collected to date which Village Council voted to direct into the DDA budget. Additionally, $700 per month will continue to come in, through Feb. 2018, at which time Council would like the board to again make an appeal for this revenue. The lease will continue for another 4 years but can be terminated at any time by either Speedway or the Village so is not guaranteed. This money has been earmarked for a 5 year infrastructure plan. Attachment 16 refunds; after discussion with the county, the calculation was again reviewed and clarified. The net result of this is that our expenses will be approximately $5000 less each year. Motion by Knecht, second by Fitzpatrick to accept Treasurer’s Report. Motion carried.

7. Coordinator’s Report - Baker has been working with village on 2018 budget and attachment 16 reimbursement. Has done some research on the RDA liquor license. 8. Sub Committee Reports a. Events Committee i. Approval of Minutes - Motion by Haley, second by Wayne with date correction. Motion carried. ii. Update - Haley reported much work is being done focusing on Shop Local and HOH, both coming together smoothly with Holly’s assistance. Request will need to be made to FD/ Council for warming barrels and street closure. Additionally, the committee will be holding an informational meeting for merchants. Janisse cautioned about having a quorum present at our committee meetings and it was noted that ideally non-board members would be involved. b. Infrastructure i. Approval of Minutes - Motion by Witte, second by Wittbrodt. Motion carried. ii. Update - Thomas reported that Corbin Design did an excellent presentation on Wayfinding.

They have given a preliminary estimate for evaluation and planning which was higher than expected. Budget items identified were Cedar Street sidewalk, christmas lights, bridge planters, Ames St. lighting. Tilley is scheduled for a maintenance wash. c. Business Development i. Approval of Minutes - No minutes to approve. ii. Update - Baker reported the committee had just met earlier this day. Plan to establish a connection with SCORE and connect with interested business owners. 9. Unfinished Business a. Project Updates i. Facade Grant - Work has started on Nifty Things and Starboard Inn. ii. TC to Charlevoix Trail - No response from Tribe to date. b. Speedway Lease Revenue - Baker confirmed Coopers comments that Council has approved our request and money has been transferred but, we will need to appeal to council for this to continue.

10. New Business a. Budget Planning - The monies we have (excluding Speedway Lease monies which are earmarked specifically for infrastructure) are estimated to be approximately $10000. Committees need to work on their priorities and specifics for their expenditures including donation revenue to bring back to board, starting with a 50/30/20 breakdown. i. Committee Priority Lists a. Events - Events Coordinator, events to include; HOH/Shop Local, Fashion Show, new fall event (Oct.), new winter event (Feb.), Art Rapids event. b. Infrastructure - Cedar Street sidewalk, holiday lights, sidewalk cleaning, way finding, trash bins, US 31 bridge planters, c. Development - Mini-grants, Meeting facilitation.

11. Public Comments - None 12. Adjournment Motion by Wayne, second by Fitzpatrick to adjourn the meeting at 8:05 p.m.. Motion carried.

Minutes submitted by Carol Haley

DDA Special Meeting DRAFT Minutes Wednesday, November 15, 2017, 8:00 a.m.

Government Center, 315 Bridge Street

1. Meeting called to order @ 8:01 by Thomas.

2. Roll Call Present: Fitzpatrick, Haley, Knecht, Janisse (arrived 8:20), Simpson, Thomas, Wayne, Witte Excused: Wittbrodt Also present: Bill Cooper

3. Holiday Decorations - The board had previously approved $4000 to be used, in conjunction with the DPW holiday budget of $4000, towards decorating the village with live garland, bows, and snowflake motifs from Thanksgiving through Feb.. DDA has already purchased live garland, bows and snowflake motiffs at approximate costs of $2000, $500, $1000, respectively. Up North Services ($2900) and Shine ($1500) had committed to hanging garland and motifs. Unfortunately the existing contract for Village holiday decorations was not expired as we had been told. A three year contract (2015/16/17) existed and the contracted company came in this past weekend and decorated the village. Discussion followed as to how best move forward. Village will not allow the decorations to come down and neither DPW, nor DDA, have additional monies in their budget pay any contracted services for additional hanging.

Decision was made to have DPW hang garland elsewhere in village. Haley had already cancelled the services of Shine, Janisse will cancel Up North Services. 4. Adjournment Motion by Witte to adjourn the meeting at 8:40, second by Knecht. Motion carried.

Minutes submitted by Carol Haley

Elk Rapids DOWNTOWN DEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY

Coordinator’s Report December 13, 2017

2017 Work Plan Updates

a) Meet with and collect contact information for all DDA district stakeholders Updated Database and sent business list to Board Members.

b) Develop & Maintain a communication database and campaigns i) November Newsletter Stats

(1) Sent to 137, 29.4% Open Rate (down a little from last month) ii) Facebook Metrics (October)

(1) Total Likes: 489 (22 new) (2) Most Engaged Day: (3) Total Reach: 3,314 Unique Users (Up 17% from last month)

c) 2018 Annual Planning Meeting i) Annual Meeting scheduled for April per DDA Bylaws.

d) 2017 Annual Report – Done e) 2018 Annual Budget

i) See attached worksheet and Agenda Item f) Establish Priority Subcommittees – See Agenda Items

i) Events- First Wednesday of the Month 3:30 pm, Government Center ii) Infrastructure- First Wednesday of the Month 8:30 am, Government Center iii) Business Development- Second Wednesday of the Month, 5:30 pm, Government Center

g) DDA Activities i) DDA Forum covering Strategic Planning process and benefits of utilizing a strategic plan.

Agenda Items

1. Façade Grant Status (Unfinished Business, item b. i.) Projects continue to run smoothly.

2. TC to CHX Trail (Unfinished Business, item b. ii.) 2% grant app was resubmitted by the Village for preliminary design work with adjusted numbers to account for the $5,500 raised through crowd funding.

3. Budget Planning (Old Business, Item b.) See attached worksheet Numbers are in for Attachment 16 adjustments for this year, giving us an idea of what we will be able to work with. The Excess of Revenue over Expenses row shows us our working capital as well as our Fund Balance. Per Village policy our Fund Balance must be at least 20% of expenses, though the recommendation is to keep a slightly higher balance and the DDA has been operating with a $35,000 Fund Balance. Priority Committees have submitted proposed activities with estimated budget numbers for each. These numbers are compiled below. When determining what projects to put the money toward, keep the Strategic Plan in mind as that was publicly vetted as projects this community would like to see. Infrastructure Committee Infrastructure Committee has identified 3 projects that are their top priorities and 3 additional projects that they feel would be good use of DDA funds.

Project Amount

Speedway Projects $3,500

Branch Wrapping $7,000

Holiday Decorations $3,000

Cedar Street Sidewalk $4,000

US 31 Bridge Planters $2,000

Bike Parking Enhancements $2,000

Events Committee The Events Committee would like to continue with the Holiday Open House/Shop Local/Pajama Party series of events, which pay for themselves through downtown donations. The same applies to the Fashion Show event. The following projects are asks on top of these events.

Project Amount

Events Coordinator $2,000

Art Rapids! Event $1,000

Fall Event $1,000

Late Winter Event $2,000

Business Development

The Business Development Committee has numerous projects in mind that take organization, but not

money. On top of those the following projects would serve the district well.

Project Amount

Mini Grants $1,000

Meeting Facilitation $1,000

4. DDA Actions Policy/Practice (New Business, Item a.)

With various people working on projects communication has begun to breakdown and numerous stumbles

occurred this past month. It is my recommendation that the DDA Board set a policy or at minimum a practice

that any actions taken by the DDA should flow through the Coordinator or Chair. This is especially true for

any spending done on the DDA’s behalf.

5. Chamber Broadband Proposal (New Business, Item b.)

The Chamber of Commerce has reached out to the DDA to partner on a broadband project for Elk Rapids.

The Village is also working on broadband, and NLEA is working on broadband. All 4 groups will meet 12/14 to

discuss what each is looking for and to see if there is overlap.

Elk Rapids DDA

Infrastructure Committee Meeting Agenda

Wednesday, December 6, 2017

8:30 AM

Elk Rapids Government Center - Old Council Chambers

I. Welcome & Introductions

Present: Steve Thomas, Wes Knecht, Jim Witte, Carol Haley, Amanda Baker

Guest: Matt McCormick, Pro Image Design

II. Pro Image Wayfinding Presentation

McCormick presented examples and methodology for Pro Image. Will submit a cost

estimate.

III. Speedway Money

a. Budget Breakdown

Currently working with year 1 and year 2 as a lump sum as the revenue came in late.

b. Wayfinding

Shifting some planning money for early bin spending, planning for later year income to

go into the initial wayfinding costs.

c. Trash Bins

Look at 10 bins to go in for Spring 2018 along with refurbishing old bins

d. Sidewalk Cleaning

i. Fall Cleaning Invoice is in.

IV. 2018/2019 Budget Plans

(Listed in order of priority)

- Speedway Projects $3,500

- Branch Wrapping $7000

- Holiday Decoration $3000

- Cedar Street Sidewalk $4000

- US 31 Bridge Planters $2000

- Bike Parking Enhancements $2000

Total Projects: $21,500

V. General

a. US 31 Bridge Planters

Discussed in Budget discussion

b. Beautification

No Update.

c. Crosswalk Painting

Would like to send request to DPW for a schedule and possibly coordinated efforts for

other parking lots.

VI. Adjournment 10:14AM

Elk Rapids DDAEvents Committee Meeting Minutes

Thursday, November 9, 2017, 4:45 p.m.152 River

Present: C. Haley, H. Schlicker, K. Simmons, K. Wittbrodt, M. WayneAbsent: Baker, S. Fitzpatrick, B. Lancaster

Upcoming Events:

1. Shop Local - Sat. Nov. 25, 2017

Holly brought American Express schwag to hand out to merchants coming to the informational meeting. Remainder to be distributed to merchants along with Donation Request Letters and flyers, Tues. Nov. 14.

Ads going out in papers and radio. Will ask Becky to write ‘Dear Editor’ letter for ER News inviting locals. Simmons and Wittbrodt to approach ER News about doing interview/insert.

Library will host event Nov. 25th, unfortunately there was a miscommunication on them hosting something for Shop Local.

2. Holiday Open House - Sat. Dec. 9,2017, Snowman Theme

Baker waiting to hear from fire chief about burn barrel request and hopefully plans to request street closure @ Nov. 20th Council meeting. Sharon believes she has hay bale and burn barrel donations - follow up needed.

Need to check with Becky - will she need help decorating tree?

Still need to talk to TC about street closure and involvement - Amanda?

Rotary - Amanda?

Reaching out to local eateries to offer food and/or beverages possibly on street.

Tree Lighting moved up to 5:30 so as to be lit during the event. Holly working on music.

Waiting to hear from Joe about movie matinee.

Waiting to hear back from ER Women’s club on window decorating. Fitzpatrick to follow-up.

3. Informational meeting - Was attended by approx. 5 local merchants. Meeting generated a lot of ideas and discussion and, overall good enthusiasm. It was felt by all that this type of ‘get together’ once or twice a year would be a great way to communicate and build rapport.

Meeting adjourned 7:30 p.m.

Minutes submitted by Carol Haley

Elk Rapids DDA

Business Development Committee Meeting Minutes

Wednesday, November 8, 2017

5:30 PM

Government Center

I. Welcome & Introductions

Present: Mark Wayne, Kathy Wittbrodt, Amanda Baker, Karen Simpson (5:45 PM)

II. Budget Planning

Project ideas:

Work with organizing tax abatements and incentives with the Council

Green incentives

Case Studies to present (Building 50, TC Commons)

Consulting Connections

Succession/Exit Plans & Connections

RRC Best Practice 5

Consumer’s & DTE connections

Mini Mini Grants - $1000

Meeting Facilitaion - $1000

Continue Business Sit Downs (Exit Plans, Façade/Building Improvements, Business Operations

Improvements)

Chamber Connection (Leadership Team)

III. SCORE Meeting

Connecting SCORE mentors is very simple and quick.

Reach out to Chapter Director

IV. General

a. Ludington Business Attraction Model

Tabled

V. Adjourn

Elk Rapids DDA

Business Development Committee Meeting Minutes

Wednesday, September 13, 2017

5:30 PM

Government Center

I. Welcome & Introductions

Mark Wayne, Kathy Wittbrodt, Amanda Baker

II. Restaurant Fact Finding

Multiple places don’t follow any digital media. Perhaps increased wayfinding/community events

posting area. Utilize banners and other options to have the information displayed where people

easily can see them.

Other input seemed to say some of the business owners could use discreet business consulting.

Perhaps the DDA could work with SCORE or SBDC connect those businesses with help.

Committee will meet with TC SCORE chapter to determine ways to approach businesses that

may need assistance in multiple areas of business operation.

III. General

a. Sales Tracking Survey Results

b. Escanaba Façade Grant Model

Set up a method to speed up Façade grants with up front work done by the DDA (with a

deposit.)

Amanda will talk to MEDC about this possibility along with more rental funding.

Anything for new construction?

Could also work in a smaller projects to spiff up town.

IV. Adjourn

Recruiting & Retaining 

Business

Organizational 

Development 

Events & M

arketing 

Placemaming & Design 

Capitol Improvements & 

Infrastructure

Industrial Zone 

Traditional D

owntown 

Waterfront 

US 31 Corridor

Ames District 

Master Plan 

DDA/TIF Plan 

Recreation 

Chamber Forums

Streetscape & 

Infrastructure

2015 CED

S

S1 ER Leadership Team 

A leadership team including reps from the Village, Township, Schools, DDA, Chamber, and other  community

organizations should be formed a meet on a regular basis to discuss ways to collaborate and increase 

commerce in Elk Rapids.X X $250‐$500   X X X X X 2016 X X X

S2 Become a Redevelopment Ready Community 

This new program from MEDC offers technical assistance to communities which will help them study, market 

and attract development to target parcels. Communities must complete a six part self evaluation, pass a 

resolution, and attend a training to begin the program. Great opportunity for hotel development. 

X X $500 X X X X X 2016 X X X

S3 Develop a Recruiting Incentive Package

The ER leadership team should work together to create investment based incentive packages for the businesses

that residents would most like to recruit.  X $1K‐$10K x X X X 2016 X X X

S4 Hire a Part Time Employee 

The DDA needs dedicated staff in which to fulfill the mission of the board. A part time employee would add 

great value to the DDA's ability to complete projects, increase commerce and raise additional funds. X $15K‐$25K X X X X X 2016 X

S5 Develop a database, website and communication system

The DDA needs to have the ability to communicate with the community, visitors, and the businesses and

properties in which it represents. An integrated  communication system would increase cooperation and  

efficiency. X $1K‐$10K X X X X X 2016 X X

S6 Create a policy for Food Trucks 

Food trucks add diversity and youthfulness to downtowns when properly utilized, the DDA should recommend

a policy for when and where these entrepreneurs should be allowed in the district.  X X $0 X X X X X 2016 X

S7 Continue Wayfinding Improvements 

Some enhancements were made to the wayfinding system in 2015 but more improvements should be made.

All aspects of wayfinding should be branded together for a streamlined look. X X $10K‐$150K X X X X X 2016 X X X X

S8 Work with other DDA's to enhance Paddle Antrim event

With only one year under it's belt, Paddle Antrim is a shoulder season event that is primed to have a major

advantage on the local economy. Elk Rapids should work with others to enhance attendance and encourage 

commerce during the event. X $1K‐$3K X X 2016 X X X X

S9 Host Annual Planning Meeting 

The DDA should host an annual planning meeting each year with the business owners, property owners, and 

stakeholders to discuss initiatives in the upcoming year and allow them a chance to network. X X X $500 X X X X X 2017 X X

S10 Diversify Revenue Stream 

In order to carry out some of the larger mid range projects the DDA should be looking to diversify their revenue

stream outside of TIF collection.  X $0 X X X X X 2017 X

S11 Develop plans for Trailhead

The proposed extension of the TART trail from Traverse City through Elk Rapids to Charlevoix has great

opportunities for the community. The DDA board should be proactively working to identify and plan for a 

trailhead to help draw more of this traffic to the community. X X $100K‐$1M X X 2017

S12 Create new wintertime family activity 

Seasonality and lack of family friendly activities in the winter are two main challenges identified. Address both

of these with an anchor off‐season event that will bring people from outside the community to shop in Elk 

Rapids. X X $5K X X X 2017 X X X X

S13 Community Ambassador Program

Elk Rapids has passionate residents who love their community. Rather than adding more parking and public

restrooms right away, create a volunteer program to help address these issues during the busiest weekends of 

the year. X X $1K X X 2017 X

S14 Beautification Efforts 

Work  to improve the esthetics of the DDA District. This should include vegetation improvements, blight

elimination, Adopt a tree, public art, trash receptacles,  etc..  X $2K‐$20K X X X X 2017 X X X X

S15 Rotary Park Master Plan 

Elk rapids DDA should work with other entities to develop a master plan for Rotary Park. This should include 

walkability improvements, a crosswalk,  improvements  to the farmers market area, and plans for a trailhead. X X $10K‐$30K X 2018 X X X

S16 Create Local Resident Discount Program 

The DDA should work with the businesses to develop an incentive program for rewarding local residents for

shopping. This may help minimize retail leakage. X X $1K‐$3K X X X 2018 X X

S17 Water Trails and Assets  The DDA should look to develop water trails and amenitites for paddlers   X X $5K‐$10K X 2018

S18  Rental Rehab 

The addition of downtown housing is needed. Encouraging business owners to use this program and organizing 

meetings with officials will help to develop the housing stock for young people in the community. X $0 X X X 2018 X X

S19 Business Improvement Grants

The DDA can start a grant fund for local businesses to make improvements to their operation. This fund should 

consider technology upgrades, education and training, façade improvements, mini events, etc.…

X $5K  X X X X X 2018 X

S20 Develop a Dog Park.

A dog park that is in close proximity to the downtown and the  harbor is ideal in a community that is looking to 

create a more vibrant space. X $50K X X X X 2018 X X

Coordinating Plans Objective Addressed DDA District Zones

2016 Elk Rapids Downtown Development Authority Strategic Plan Project List‐ SHORT TERM

Estimated CostsProjected 

Start DateProject DescriptionProject Title Priority

Recruiting & Retaining 

Business

Organizational 

Development 

Events & M

arketing 

Placemaming & Design 

Capitol Improvements & 

Infrastructure

Industrial Zone 

Traditional D

owntown 

Waterfront 

US 31 Corridor

Ames District 

Master Plan 

DDA/TIF Plan 

Recreation 

Chamber Forums

Streetscape & 

Infrastructure

2015 CED

S

M1 Improve streetscape on Dexter and Noble

Tackle projects listed in the downtown streetscape and infrastructure walking tour plan (2014) as road work 

is being done on Dexter and Noble Streets. X X

$100K‐$200KX

2019‐2026?X X

M2 Hire a Full Time Director

The DDA should have a full time Executive Director to help carry out the plans and direction of the board. 

This person should be responsible for all aspects of making sure the DDA district retains it's vitality. X

$70K‐$100K

X X X X X

2019

X

M3 Develop a downtown W‐Fi System

The development of a downtown Wi‐Fi system would help to attract businesses, residents, and tourists to 

the area, especially younger entrepreneurs. X

$20K‐$100KX X X

2019X X

M4 Produce and release a DDA 10 year progress report

The DDA should release a 10 year progress report describing what they have been able to accomplish since 

the DDA was reinstated in 2011. Positive public perception of the DDA is important to keep the organization 

relevant. 

X X

$2K

X X X X X

2020

X X

M5 Create a "Destination Space" on Elk River Landing

This piece of property is important to both the business community and to the residents, mixed views on 

the development of the space seek further exploration; however it seems like a mixed use project with a 

public component would be best mix for the property and the community. 

X X X X

$500K ‐$1M

X X

2021

M6 Create Holiday Shopping Program 

The DDA should be looking for ways to help increase commerce around the holiday season. A Small 

Business Saturday or shop local campaign could aid. X X

$1K‐ $3K X X X

2021X X X

M7 Create Marketing Strategy

The DDA should work with the Chamber on rebranding and marketing the area. The use of strategic 

advertising, online marketing, and community branding could increase recognition of Elk Rapids as a 

destination. 

X

$1K‐$20K

X X X X X

2022

X X X

M8

Complete Trail Along Elk River to Vetrans Memorial 

Park

The Community should plan and develop a natural walking area connecting the existing boardwalk to the 

library bridge. This pathway should be kept as natural as possible and should highlight the excellent bird 

watching opportunities in the area. 

X

$50K‐$250K

X X

2022

X X X

M9 Elk Rapids Business Park Improvements 

Attention should be paid to the Industrial Parks needs. The DDA should be meeting with representatives to 

continue to ensure their business is thriving. Signage, Certified Business Park Status, and Zoom Prospector 

are all tools that will assist in this effort. 

X X

$0‐$1M

X X

2023

X X

M10 Improve Space for Youth Actvities 

The current ice rink should be improved to draw more children and young families downtown. The space 

could also be better utilized in the summer months as a skatepark providing another activity for the youth 

to enjoy. 

X

$50K‐$250K

X X

2024

X

Objective Addressed Coordinating Plans DDA District Zone 

2016 Elk Rapids Downtown Development Authority Strategic Plan Project List‐ MID TERM 

Timeline Estimated Costs Project DescriptionProject Title Priority

Recruiting & Retaining 

Business

Organizational D

evelopment 

Events and M

arketing 

Placemaming & Design 

Capitol Improvements & 

Infrastructure

Industrial Zone 

Traditional D

owntown 

Waterfront 

US 31 Corridor

Ames District 

Master Plan 

DDA/TIF Plan 

Recreation 

Chamber Forums

Streetscape & Infrastructure

2015 CED

S

L1

Acquire Property and Develop Plans for Public 

Restrooms and DDA Office

If the need for restrooms continues to rise in the Traditional Downtown, the DDA should consider 

purchasing property for a public restroom and potential DDA office space. 

X X $500K‐$800K X 2025 X X X

L2 Ames Street Improvements 

Improvements should continue to be made to enhance the walkability and provide traffic calming on Ames 

Street. The community's should look at making the street a boulevard with attractive center street storm 

water gardens, sidewalk infrastructure, vegetation buffers, crosswalks and burying electric poles. 

X X $2M‐$5M X X X 2025 X X X

L3 Improve Downtown Lighting Elements 

This can include holiday lighting, streetlights, alleyways and any other enhancement that improves the 

overall lighting in the DDA. X X $10K‐40K X X X X X 2026 X

L4 Improvements to Dam Beach & Fishing Park

Improvements to the Dam beach area could include public restrooms, a fish cleaning station, signage, a

community fire pit, and sand volleyball courts. While these improvements might help attract a wider variety 

of users, the beach should be kept as natural as possible. X X $500K‐$2M X 2026 X X X

DDA District Zone 

2016 Elk Rapids Downtown Development Authority Strategic Plan Project List‐ Long Term 

Priority Project Title  Project DescriptionEstimated 

Costs Timeline 

Objective Addressed Coordinating Plans