Downtown Development Authority

The Downtown Development Authority (DDA) was created by ordinance and approved by city council on Aug. 12, 2002. The DDA is an authority tasked with economic development in the defined downtown area.

The Morenci DDA meets at City Offices on the fourth Tuesday of each month at 4:00 PM. Downtown business owners and engaged community members are welcome to attend.

"The need for establishing the Development District is founded on the basis that the future success of Morenci's current effort to revitalize its commercial area will depend, in large measure, on the readiness and ability of its public sector to initiate public improvements that strengthen the commercial area and to encourage and participate where feasible in the development of new private uses that clearly demonstrate the creation of new jobs, the attraction of new business, and the generation of additional tax revenues." - DDA Development Plan and Tax Increment Financing Plan

DDA Development Plan, Tax Increment Financing Plan, and Bylaws

The goals of the development plan are, in short, listed as:

Continued redevelopment of the commercial area by encouraging the reinvestment of public and private funds.
Installation of parking areas and pedestrian improvements that would support and strengthen the business district such as off-street parking areas, streets scape improvements, and linkages with public facilities.
Enhancement of business district entry areas along Main Street at the East and West entry areas and along North St. at the North entry area.
Promotion, retention, and solicitation of businesses within the business district.
Establishment of special financing programs that assist property owners with appropriate exterior renovations and improvements.

To view properties listed in the Downtown District, click here.

The Morenci Downtown Development Authority created the Downtown Façade Improvement Program to encourage private investment in the downtown building stock, to enhance the overall physical appearance of downtown Morenci, and to maintain and restore the historical character and integrity of each building. With funding provided by the DDA, the program will provide a financial grant to property owners for specific building improvements. Click here to view the DDA Façade Grant application. To apply, please contact DDA Director Heather Sarnac.

The Morenci Downtown Development Authority had a productive year in 2024, hosting events such as St. Patrick’s Day on Main in March, the 3rd Annual Fall Fest in October, and Small Business Saturday in November. They have now established a committee to begin planning regularly scheduled events throughout the summer months.

Strides were made among other 1-year, 3-year, and 5-year goals as the Morenci DDA awarded façade improvement grants to two downtown businesses and made progress on the MEDC Redevelopment Ready Communities initiative. Among the most noteworthy accomplishments is being approved for $218,165 in funding from the Michigan Department of Natural Resources Inflation Reduction Act grant program for downtown tree planting, workforce development, maintenance, educational initiatives, and community outreach efforts. Click here for more information on the collaborative project.

In 2023, the Morenci DDA established a Social District in Downtown Morenci. In a social district, individuals are allowed to consume alcoholic beverages outdoors when purchased from participating businesses within a designated and marked area. The DDA's goal with the social district is to create additional opportunities for businesses to thrive, enhance the availability of events and activities for adults in the downtown area, and attract individuals from the community and surrounding areas. In 2024, the DDA's goal was to expand the hours of operation for the Social District, and it is now open seven days a week, 11 AM until 11 PM.

Visit our Morenci Social District page for more information.

City of Morenci

Downtown Development Authority