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Trenton DDA reports full board, grants and events after FY25–26 outreach
Summary
At a June 15 informational meeting, the Trenton Downtown Development Authority said it fully allocated its FY25–26 grant budget, issued Downtown Dollars, won an arts grant (~$6,500) for an art festival projection and reported progress on Rotary Park, TIF appointments and a streetscape study.
The Trenton Downtown Development Authority updated the City Council on June 15 about its activities from January through May 2026, saying it filled three board vacancies to reach 11 members, fully allocated its business improvement grant budget for the first time this fiscal year and is using a small Michigan Arts & Culture Council grant to help fund a mural projection and light show for the Trenton Art Festival.
Angelia, the DDA director, told council the business improvement grant covers up to $50,000 and pays 50% of exterior improvements; one completed project at 2515 West Jefferson received just under $9,000, and three other approved applications are for amounts ranging from just over $10,000 to just over $40,000. "Fiscal 25–26 is the first year that Trenton DDA fully allocated our grant budget," she said.
The DDA has issued nearly $50,000 in Downtown Dollars and reported 18 participating merchants; Angelia said the program is on track and that she expects issuance to increase with summer promotions. The DDA won an experience grant from the Michigan Arts & Culture Council for just under $6,500 to support a mural projection and light show tied to the Trenton Art Festival scheduled for Sept. 19, 2026.
Angelia also reviewed authority projects including landscaping and a boardwalk at Rotary Park (near completion), appointments to nine development-area advisory members for TIF/development plan review, and a West Jefferson streetscape study expected to be finalized by the end of summer.
Council asked whether Downtown Dollars met expectations; Angelia said the program has met or nearly exceeded hopes in its first 18 months, and she hopes the program will grow toward issuing $100,000 in future cycles. The DDA director noted free market reports from Placer AI are available to merchants and developers through the DDA website.
The DDA said its next informational meeting will be in December 2026. No council votes were required on the informational presentation.
