Department Info

Location:

6543 Allen Rd
Allen Park, MI 48101

Phone:
313-928-0940

Executive Director:
Jennifer Kibby

The City of Allen Park is affectionately called the "Jewel of Downriver" and for good reason. We have a pedestrian friendly downtown with a unique retro-style, specialty shops, great restaurants, and the best downtown movie theater for miles. We invite you to visit downtown Allen Park and experience the retro feel and timeless appeal.

For further information about the Downtown Development Authority opportunities contact the DDA at 313-928-0940.

Responsibilities

The Allen Park Downtown Development Authority (DDA) manages the city’s 250-acre central business district, home to 450+ businesses. By creating a vibrant environment in which entrepreneurship can thrive, the DDA maintains downtown as the core of the community and its center for social, cultural, and economic activity. The DDA follows the Main Street Four-Point Approach, a comprehensive revitalization method focusing on design, economic development, marketing, and organization. DDA design projects such as the Ecorse Rd. streetscape and façade improvement program [eventual link] are devised to create a safe and inviting environment for shoppers, workers, and visitors. Economic development projects [eventual link] retain and expand successful businesses in order to create a balanced commercial mix. Marketing programs such as the Classic Car Show and Downtown Farmers Market [eventual link] bring the community downtown and renew its pride in the district. The DDA’s volunteer board and committees [eventual link] drive its success and organize everyone to work towards the same goal. Since it was established in 1991, the DDA has completed more than 21 capital improvement projects, awarded over 40 façade improvement grants, hosted thousands of citizens at over 150 special events, and increased property values 58%.

Biography

As executive director, Jennifer Kibby is responsible for revitalizing and sustaining long-term economic stability in downtown Allen Park. Jennifer was named director of the Allen Park Downtown Development Authority (DDA) in 2011. She brings over 20 years experience in nonprofit community development, specializing in marketing and urban redevelopment. Prior to joining the DDA, she served as director of two downtown development organizations in Staunton, Virginia and Bennington, Vermont, as well as operations manager of Virginia Small Business Development and public affairs and communications director for NeighborWorks America. Jennifer holds a Bachelor of Arts in Growth and Structure of Cities from Bryn Mawr College and a Masters of Arts in Integrated Marketing Communication from Northwestern University.

Allen Park Development Plan and Tax Increment Financing Plan

Downtown Development Authority 2020 Budget

Downtown Development Authority 2019 Contract List

Downtown Development Authority 2019 Annual Report