Lapeer DDA schedules Michigan Main Street strategic planning, approves staff attendance at summer workshop

Lapeer City Downtown Development Authority members discussed a Michigan Main Street-led strategic planning process and approved travel for three participants to attend a Michigan Main Street workshop in Coldwater, with an estimated combined cost of about $1,200.

DDA representatives said Michigan Main Street and partner Dibble Wester will lead a strategic-planning workshop June 25 from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m. The process will include four short surveys (each about five minutes) and three targeted focus groups for elected and appointed officials, business and property owners, and teens/young adults.

"That session will include feedback from the focus groups that Main Street and Kimball Webster's are putting together," said the Main Street representative. The DDA said the focus groups and surveys are intended to inform a five-year strategic plan that will complement, but remain separate from, the DDA's development plan.

The board also considered attendance at Michigan Main Street's summer workshop (June 26–27). Board member Mindy expressed interest in attending day two. The board approved sending Mindy, Jim and Jill to the workshop with an estimated total cost of about $1,200 for hotel, mileage and registration; the motion was moved, supported and carried by voice vote. The meeting transcript did not record vote tallies.

Board members said they will invite broad community input through the surveys and focus groups; the DDA plans to circulate invites and schedule the focus groups in the coming weeks.