In Ypsilanti, Michigan, the Downtown Development Authority (DDA) is attempting to ensure the Depot Town district's continuity by expanding its boundaries. Formerly comprised of two separate DDA's, the more recent singular DDA has existed since 2009, owing to an Ypsilanti City Council Vote.

Properties from Huron Street to Pearl Street and Cross Street (used as mixed commercial and residential) would become part of the expanded district. The assumption, or hope, is that in lieu of decreasing property values within the current district, a larger district will generate higher revenue from the Depot Town Tax Increment Finance and Development Plan. However, Tim Colbeck, DDA Director, has stated the TIF wouldn't necessarily see expansion in conjunction with the district, but that the restructured district would serve “operational purposes”.

Colbeck noted that some businesses not presently within the district already receive benefits from the DDA. He went on to say these same businesses are eligible for Building Rehabilitation and Facade Grants (and other programs), benefits that will possibly increase when these businesses are officially absorbed into the district.

The TIF will continue to allow taxable value within designated DDA boundaries to generate tax revenue for the DDA, not the city of Ypsilanti. Often this revenue is crucial to ongoing improvement projects that raise property values, invigorate commercial traffic, and ultimately create more revenue.

2015 will see the expiration of the current Depot Town TIF plan. The succeeding plan, around which planning has entailed all of the aforementioned, will last until 2030. Requests for proposals have illuminated certain goals deemed central to the update process:

  • Keeping the gentrified feel of the downtown district intact
  • Maintaining district's cleanliness, quality of public services, diversity
  • Property upkeep
  • Regional connectivity and promotion of a friendly pedestrian environment
  • Residential and Commercial facilities with tech accessibility
  • Diverse housing, retail space, and commercial area
  • Multiple public transportation options
  • Job opportunities

Colbeck has stated job opportunities and investment in local economy are priorities of the update, which the DDA's Operations and Finance Committee will lead. Also on the Committee's immediate agenda: Hiring a consultant (by July) to help compose a long-term strategy. Two public meetings and a survey of the public's reactions, concerns, or complaints are to take place in the near future.