Ann Arbor DDA recommends modest boundary expansion, shift to gain‑share TIF and a downtown service team

At an April 17 work session of the Ann Arbor City Council, the Downtown Development Authority presented a draft development plan that recommends a moderate expansion of the DDA boundary and a switch from the city’s current TIF cap to a percentage-based “gain‑share” distribution.

The change is intended to increase funds available for downtown infrastructure, maintenance and affordable-housing support while allowing taxing jurisdictions to continue receiving growth in revenue. "We are actually going to be landing on a recommended scenario that includes a moderate boundary expansion and a shift to a gain share model of TIF distribution. We believe this is a good middle ground approach," DDA representative Maura Thompson said during the presentation.

The DDA told council members the plan is built around three elements: the district boundary, a finance plan and a list of potential projects. Amber Miller, the DDA’s capital projects and planning manager, said projects range from streetscape and utility upsizing to public art, transit-supportive investments and remediation of underutilized parcels including 721 North Main. "Great downtowns have a focus on place making and creating spaces that welcome all people," Miller said.

Longstanding limits on Ann Arbor’s TIF mean the DDA…