Council approves two social‑district applications; DDA to facilitate training and signage

The Escanaba City Council approved two social‑district permit applications on May 1, granting local authorization that starts the state review and training steps required before businesses can participate.

Administration asked the council to approve resolution 25‑04 for Mugshots and resolution 25‑05 for Kathmandu; council approved both resolutions by roll call. Staff explained that, after council approval, the city completes the local governmental unit approval form and the materials are submitted to the state of Michigan for final permitting. Once the state approves, applicants meet with DDA staff for training and sign an annual agreement with the city.

Council and DDA representatives described required elements of the program: participating establishments must display a brochure explaining the social district, post signs at exits indicating entry to the social district, and use an approved Social District cup bearing the social‑district logo and the business’s logo. Annual training is required for establishments and their employees; staff said an initial training session would be scheduled in May or June.

Greg Warpool, representing the Downtown Development Authority, described the DDA’s facilitator role and said DDAs around the state commonly operate social districts. Staff added that the DDA will coordinate signage and printing; council noted there will be multiple 12x18 signs marking the boundaries of the district.

Councilors asked whether approvals could be consolidated; staff advised the council can approve individual applications. The council approved the Mugshots resolution and the Kathmandu resolution by recorded roll calls during the meeting.

City staff and the DDA will follow state steps — local approval, state review, applicant training and a signed annual agreement — before any licensed drinks may be carried in the social district.