DOWNTOWN DEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY

DOWNTOWN DEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY


Contact Information

Bryan Mulanix - Community & Economic

Development Director

 Tel: 810-735-7980 

Email the  Director

The Downtown Development Authority (DDA) Board meeting that was scheduled for Thursday, March 28, 2024 at 8:30 a.m. has been canceled. The next regularly scheduled meeting is Thursday, April 25, 2024 at 8:30 a.m.


Recognizing the need to strengthen and facilitate public and private investments within Downtown Linden, the Downtown Development District and Downtown Development Authority (DDA) was formed in 2008. This nine member DDA oversees the promotional activities and public improvements within the District. Additionally, this Board developed the Downtown Development Plan and oversees the budget for tax increment financing within the District. DDA members are appointed by City Council and meet on the 4th Thursday of every month, at 8:30 a.m., in Council Chambers on the lower level of the Mill Building at 201 N. Main Street, Linden, Michigan, 48451.

Linden’s downtown is situated in southwestern Genesee County, and is approximately 22 miles southwest of the City of Flint. Linden is a 2.4 square mile municipality with a population of about 4,000 residents. Included among Linden’s many desirable characteristics are its small town charm, our historic business district, stable residential neighborhoods, close proximity to major transportation corridors, and an ideal location along the Shiawassee River. Downtown Linden provides a range of commerce, dining, recreation, and living, as well as many civic and employment opportunities. Downtown is a place where people congregate and is a conduit for social interactions. Downtown Linden truly reflects the personal nature and overall spirit of a small-town community.


The Linden Advantage

  • The City of Linden is a great place for your new business or project, as demonstrated by the following demographic and market statistics.
  • The City’s population grew by nearly 40 percent in the last decade – the 5th fastest growth rate of all cities and villages in Michigan.
  • The population of Linden’s Primary Retail Trade Area (approx. 131 square miles) is projected to increase through 2016 and include almost 50,000 area residents.
  • The median household income in the Primary Retail Trade Area is expected to increase by more than 20 percent between 2010 and 2016.
  • The total estimated demand for retail products in Linden’s Primary Retail Trade Area is approximately $540 million per year, compared to a current estimated supply of $360 million per year. This leaves a retail gap of more than $180 million.


Another key advantage is the City’s public parking program for Downtown. Presently, the City owns and maintains approximately 190 off-street parking spaces for public use (free of charge) within Downtown. These spaces are in addition to available on-street parking (also free of charge). As a result, new projects in Downtown are not required to provide their own off-street parking spaces.


Whether you are an entrepreneur starting your first business, an existing business considering expanding, or a developer looking to build within the City, Linden wants to be a partner toward your success. Our City’s staff is committed to your success and is ready to help you through the process, while continuing to ensure the safety and prosperity of our other residents, business owners and visitors.


As with any well laid plans, preparation and time for due diligence is the key to a smooth project. For your reference, the City has prepared a Development Review Process Flow Chart which outlines the various steps in the City’s development review and permitting process. As you will see, the first step in the process is for you to schedule an initial consultation with the City Manager and/or City Planner to discuss your project.



DDA Board Members:

Jeanine Sapelak (Chairperson)

Steve James (Vice Chairperson)

Brad Dick (City Council Representative)

Keri Burns (Board Member)

Greg Jones (Board Member)

Krystal Payne (Board Member)

Brandon Raudebaugh (Board Member)

Michelle Robins (Board Member)

Marta Wright (Board Member)





Grow Linden Committee Co-Chairs:

Leigh Boughton

Ed Koledo

Jeanine Sapelak

Karen Stroud



DDA Orientation Packet

DDA LINKS AND RESOURCES

Share by: