Downtown Marquette

Downtown Marquette represents the historic center of our City. Many of our buildings are historically significant - and should be preserved to highlight our City's past.

The downtown:

• is a reflection of how the community sees itself... a critical factor in business retention and recruitment. If the downtown is neglected, outsiders will see this neglect as a reflection of the entire community.
• represents a significant portion of the City's tax base. If the district declines, its property values decline, and it increases the tax burden on other parts of the city.
• is a major tourist draw. When people come into Marquette, they want to see a unique place. There isn't another downtown like ours in the world!
• is a major business center, representing the largest concentration of businesses in the area.
• is a prominent employment center - employing nearly 2,000 people. Second only to Marquette General Hospital (2,918) and preceding NMU (1,147).

More About The Downtown Development Authority

The Downtown Development Authority (the DDA) was established by City Ordinance in 1976 under the authority of Michigan Public Act 197 of 1975. The DDA Board is comprised of a board of 8 members who are appointed by the Marquette City Commission to serve a four year term and the City Manager. The purpose of the Authority is to "halt property value deterioration and increase property tax valuation...to eliminate the causes of that deterioration, and to promote economic growth."

Downtown Development Authorities operate under the auspices of Act 197 and have the power to conduct an analysis of economic changes taking place in the downtown district; long-range planning for the downtown area; land acquisition and improvement; building construction, improvement, rehabilitation, maintenance and operation; and construction and maintenance of public facilities such as water and sewer lines, parking lots, streets, street lighting, convention centers, parks, and marinas. The Marquette Downtown Development Authority currently uses several sources of funding its purposes. These include tax increment financing (TIF) and a 2 mill property tax on property within the district.. The Authority's annual budget is approved by City Commission.

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