Consultants from Giffels Webster and Nate Geiser of Double Haul Solutions led a strategic-planning workshop for the Clawson Downtown Development Authority on June 18, focusing on DDA roles and responsibilities, tax increment financing (TIF) basics and the Main Street four-point approach.

“Before you leave today, I want you to write your top three priorities on those sticky notes for the DDA,” Nate Geiser said during the session, which the presenters shortened because the full-day schedule was not being used. Geiser outlined expectations for board responsibilities, noted the need for training on open meetings and FOIA, and encouraged broad participation in strategic planning.

Andy, a consultant with Giffels Webster, explained the Main Street Oakland County framework’s four approaches — organization, economic vitality, design and promotion — and described how they align with capital projects, public spaces and event promotion. “The Main Street Oakland County is the coordinating program that kind of adopts the Main Street America standards and guidelines,” Andy said.

Presenters reviewed the DDA development plan adopted in 2020 and stressed that DDA activity should align with that plan unless the plan is amended. Consultants also explained the mechanics of tax increment financing in plain terms and noted that Clawson’s plan captures the district’s increment for DDA investment through 2040.

Consultants told the board they would work with city staff to produce materials for a follow-up meeting to develop vision, goals and objectives; they also offered to support additional public engagement tools if the board wants broader stakeholder input. At the meeting consultants said the initial community survey returned 11 responses and recommended expanded engagement options, including meeting toolkits for small-group stakeholder sessions.

Board members and staff agreed the promotions and marketing committee, staff and consultant team would coordinate next steps and a future meeting focused on strategic priorities. Consultants asked board members to complete short exercises identifying priorities and to sign a one-line commitment describing how each member will support the planning process.