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Council adopts Sustainable Southfield 2.0 DDA addendum to guide downtown growth, placemaking
Summary
Council approved the DDA's Sustainable Southfield 2.0 master‑plan addendum (2025–2030), endorsing walkability, placemaking, events and grant strategies to boost the downtown district; staff said adoption will strengthen grant prospects and district branding.
The Southfield City Council on Nov. 24 voted to adopt Sustainable Southfield 2.0, a Downtown Development Authority (DDA) sub‑area addendum to the city’s master plan covering 2025–2030.
Molly Lalone, executive director of the DDA, outlined goals to improve walkability, enhance placemaking, attract private investment and create promotional and grant tools to support small businesses and events. The plan identifies short‑term, mid‑term and five‑year actions and an "opportunities map" for the DDA’s cornerstone district, linking trails and pedestrian routes to regional assets.
During the public hearing, residents and council members emphasized a need to engage younger residents, expand environmental measures, and attract independent retailers and late‑evening amenities such as coffee shops. DDA leaders stressed partnerships with private property owners, a volunteer corps and marketing efforts that already increased social‑media engagement and newsletter subscribers.
Council members praised the DDA for recent events and ribbon cuttings that have increased activity in the district and said adoption will help the city be more competitive for grants. The council moved, seconded and approved the addendum; staff said formal adoption will strengthen the city’s ability to pursue redevelopment and grant opportunities tied to the DDA area.
What’s next: The DDA will continue public outreach, develop investment toolkits and pursue grant applications tied to priorities in the addendum.
