Through decades of hard work and investment, Downtown Ferndale is stronger, more resilient, and more vibrant than ever. Since it was founded in 1981, the Ferndale Downtown Development Authority (DDA) has worked to ensure the long-term viability of our downtown by investing in infrastructure, landscaping, marketing, and business support.
DDA operations are managed by the Executive Director, who reports to the DDA Board of Directors. The Board is comprised of eight members appointed with approval from City Council by the Mayor, who also sits on the Board. Their actions are governed Public Act 57 from the State of Michigan, City of Ferndale Municipal Code, and by a set of bylaws developed by the Board. By law, the majority of members must have an interest in downtown Ferndale. Board members are typically business or property owners, in addition to Ferndale residents at large. The Board also seeks residents who live within the downtown district.
Ferndale DDA Bylaws – Updated May 2020
Michigan Public Act 57 of 2018 – Recodified Tax Increment Financing Act
Ferndale Municipal Code for Downtown Development Authority
Downtown Development Authority Boundaries
Downtown Development Authority Board members are expected to:
- Advise and approve the annual DDA budget.
- Set the vision for the downtown and organization.
- Attend all meetings, including bimonthly Board meetings, special meetings, and joint meetings.
- Review monthly agendas, staff reports, and relevant documents.
- Attend at least two hours of training per year.
Click here to APPLY TO BE ON THE BOARD
Office Location:
Ground level at City Hall
300 E. Nine Mile Rd.
Ferndale, MI 48220
Phone: 248-546-1632
Email: [email protected]
Staff Contacts
Jennie Beeker
Executive Director
Email: [email protected]
Phone: 248-546-1632
Sommer Realy
Engagement Manager
Email: [email protected]
Phone: 248-546-1632
DDA Board of Directors Members
Current Board Members
Mayor Raylon Leaks-May (alternate, Councilmember Rolanda Kelley)
Sarah Brown, Chair; Crossfit HCS
Doug Smith; Coeur
Jessica Minnick, Not Sorry Goods
Metari Harris, Vice-Chair; Bags & Beads
Toly Ashkenazi; SoHo and 215 W
Labiba Quaiyum; Ferndale Resident
Andrew Fitzsimmons; Ferndale Resident
Past Members
Blake Sheer; Level One Bank
Chris Johnston, Vice-Chair; WAB co.
Jacki Smith; Coventry Creations/Candle Wick Shoppe
Janice Semma; J’s Penalty Box
Mindy Cupples; Resident
Nathan Martin; Woodward Movement/InkAddict
Jerome Raska; Blumz… by JrDesigns
PJ Jacokes, Chair; GoComedy!
Omar George, Treasurer; Downtown Property Owner
Grant Zvoch; Ferndale Resident
Je Donna Dinges, Secretary; Margaux & Max