Have you noticed the skeletons coming back to life? Downtown Berkley is getting ready to transform into BOO!kley—one of the many community events brought to you by the Downtown Development Authority (DDA). The DDA also organizes favorites like Ladies Night Out, Berkley Pride, and more! Here’s something you might not know: the DDA operates separately from the City of Berkley. It was established by City Council in 1993 as a public authority under Michigan Public Act 197 of 1975. Once the DDA was created, it became a separate legal entity from the City, with its own board of directors. It operates with independent authority, especially when it comes to day-to-day operations, policies, and use of funds.

 

As an established Tax Increment Financing (TIF) district (since 1993), the DDA collects revenue generated from any increase in property tax revenue in that area to be used specifically for improvements in the district rather than going into the City’s general fund. These funds are legally separate from the City’s funds. 

• The City provides public services like police, fire, parks, and public works.

• The DDA focuses only on downtown, reinvesting growth in property tax revenue back into Coolidge and Twelve Mile through streetscape improvements, small business support, and community connections.

The DDA and the City work together as community partners to make Berkley a caring, welcoming, and great place to live. For more information about the DDA, visit https://www.downtownberkley.com/about-the-dda/