After over 40 years of hard work and investment, Downtown Ferndale is stronger, more resilient, and more vibrant than ever. Since it was founded 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.
The Ferndale DDA is government by a Board of Directors appointed by the Ferndale City Council. These individuals are largely business or property owners, and their actions are government by a set of bylaws as well as Public Act 57 from the State of Michigan. Those members appoint an Executive Director to manage day-to-day operations of the Authority.
Ferndale DDA Bylaws – Updated May 2020
Act 57 of 2018 – Recodified Tax Increment Financing Act
Pictured left to right:
Omar George (board member), Sarah Brown (Treasurer), Pj Jacokes (Chair), Melanie Piana (Mayor), Lena Stevens (Executive Director)
Location: Good Day Selfie Museum
Office Location:
Ground level at City Hall
300 E. Nine Mile Rd.
Ferndale, MI 48220
Phone: 248-546-1632
Email: [email protected]
Staff Contacts
Lena Stevens
Executive Director
Email: [email protected]
Phone: 248-546-1632
Sommer Realy
Engagement Manager
Email: [email protected]
Phone: 248-546-1632
Board of Directors Members
DDA Board Members
Mayor Melanie Piana
PJ Jacokes, Chair; GoComedy!
Sarah Brown, Treasurer; Crossfit HCS
JeDonna Dinges; Margaux & Max
Jerome Raska; Blumz… by JrDesigns
Jessica Minnick, Not Sorry Goods
Toly Ashkenazi; 215 W
Metari Harris; Bags & Beads
Omar George; Downtown Property Owner
Past Members (Thank You!)
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
The Ferndale DDA staff and board members visited Good Day Selfie Museum for some fun team building. This is an amazing business for unique photo opportunities and parties! Learn more about them at www.gooddaymuseum.com.
