Lathrup Village DDA agrees to split cost of citywide survey, confirms new director and approves year-end budget amendments

The Lathrup Village Downtown Development Authority on Monday approved several administrative and programmatic actions, including sharing the cost of a citywide communications survey, authorizing a music‑festival equipment contract, adopting year‑end budget amendments and confirming Janet Bloom as the authority’s new director.

City council member John Sazenus told the DDA that the communications and engagement committee wants baseline data on how residents and businesses receive city information and intends to use Every Door Direct Mail (EDDM) for the initial survey. "We put a budget together — it's roughly $1,500," Sazenus said, asking the DDA to split the cost. After discussion about whether to exhaust electronic channels first, the board approved a motion to cover half the mailing cost; Mayor Caner, Pam Shermire, Jeff (Fedrick), Charlotte Jones and Lisa Burr voted in favor.

Why it matters: the committee said the foundational survey will identify channels that do and do not reach residents and local businesses. Committee leaders said the paper mailing is intended to reach people who do not engage online or via existing city channels; the committee plans to return survey findings to the DDA.

Festival procurement and sponsors: the board also authorized the director to sign a contract with a backline vendor for the Lether (Lathrup) Village Music Festival for up to $1,625. Festival organizer Lauren told the board the quote is "under budget" and that the stage/backline package remains within previously planned amounts. Board members noted the festival’s fundraising progress and vendor growth.

Budget and personnel actions: staff presented year‑end amendments to align revenue and expenditures for FY25/26. The board approved amendments that staff said balance the DDA’s budget at $573,487 and are required before the fiscal year ends June 30. The board also voted to confirm Janet Bloom as community and economic development and DDA director; meeting materials and members’ remarks said her anticipated start date is July 6.

Public comments and next steps: during public comment, residents urged more trash receptacles along Southfield Road and thanked outgoing DDA Director Austin for his service. Staff said the communications committee will proceed with the survey work and that survey results and festival reports will be shared with the board when available. The DDA’s next steps include circulating survey materials and completing the year‑end accounting required by the fiscal calendar.