Rochester Downtown Development

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The Rochester Downtown Development Authority ( DDA ) was established in 1982 to enhance the quality of life for the City of Rochester residents through revitalization of the downtown district. The DDA utilizes the Main Street Four-Point Approach, a guiding set of principles for downtown management as set forth by the National Main Street Center, a division of National Trust for Historic Preservation. The Four-Point Approach includes Design, Organization, Promotions and Economic Restructuring. The DDA has standing committees assigned to execute the tasks of each of the four points. The DDA recently created a fifth standing committee the Green City Committee, which addresses incorporation of green principles in all programs of the DDA. Downtown Rochester is a member of Main Street Oakland County, the first county-wide Main Street program in the country. The DDA Board of Directors includes business owners, property owners, residents and liaison members from the City Council, Chamber of Commerce, Rochester Community Schools and Oakland University. The DDA Staff consists of an Executive Director, Marketing Coordinator, Events Coordinator and Business Development Assistant. The DDA is funded through Tax-Increment Financing ( TIF ). This means that taxes paid within the DDA District are re-invested in the district annually. To maximize the economic development potential of Downtown Rochester for the benefit of the community by maintaining an on going, comprehensive downtown management program with broad-based community involvement, seeking reuse of historic and architecturally significant buildings whenever possible, respecting the natural environment and by preserving downtown's overall unique historical character.