DDA director outlines grant-status; announces departure as board thanks him for three years of service

DDA staff reported the status of grant-funded projects and acknowledged the departure of the DDA director at the Oct. 1 meeting.

On grant tracking, DDA staff reported that all previously awarded grants are complete except for funds tied to the zoning ordinance update and the TIF plan amendment. Staff said the Michigan State Housing Development Authority (MSHDA) informed them that, once those projects are complete, it will reimburse the DDA by check for actual expenditures (the staff description referenced a $50,000 amount tied to previously discussed grants). Staff said they will provide contact information and invoice procedures for the next DDA director to facilitate quarterly reporting requirements to MSHDA.

The board thanked Ross, the outgoing DDA director, for his service. In remarks captured on the record, members credited the DDA's recent sculptures, murals and business openings to the work of the DDA over the past three to four years and thanked Ross for helping execute the projects.

No formal board action was required on the departures or the reimbursement process; staff said routine invoice submission and quarterly reporting procedures will be used to secure grant reimbursements once projects are closed out.

Why it matters: MSHDA reimbursements affect the DDA's available capital for future projects. The director transition is an operational change that will require the incoming director to assume grant- and project-management responsibilities.

What’s next: Staff will transfer MSHDA contact and invoice instructions to the incoming director and continue to track expenditures tied to the zoning update and TIF-plan work.