Main Street director previews Hometown Hero banners, façade grants, mural and farmers market opening

Interim Main Street Director Kate Denu told the DDA board May 13 that downtown initiatives and events are underway and highlighted grant and visitor-data updates.

Kate said Hometown Hero banners are posted downtown through May 22 and will return in October ahead of Veterans Day, and that a façade reimbursement grant for businesses within the DDA district is open through May 29 and offers awards of up to $25,000 (reimbursement basis). She said one application has been completed and others are expected before the deadline.

On public art, Kate said the design committee has finalized a call for artists pending signed agreements with building owners; the committee will post the call once those agreements are secured. She also summarized visitor-data highlights from Michigan Main Street showing July 4, 2025 (fireworks) as the busiest day and noted other high-traffic dates from 2025.

Kate reported that the ending fund balance, after a $250 transfer out, is $86,159. She asked the board to accept the finance report into the record; the board approved the report by voice vote.

She also reminded the board that the farmers market opens Saturday, May 16 at 9 a.m., with Cody serving as market manager on opening day, and noted the Erase the Stigma 5K event scheduled for May 17 at the pavilion.

The updates were provided as informational items; the board moved to accept the finance report and acknowledged committee work and volunteer support for recent events.