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ESCANABA -- The Escanaba Downtown Development Authority was the star of the show at the Escanaba City Council Meeting Thursday, as DDA Director Craig Woerpel recapped the authority's work over the past year.
Woerpel's presentation was the second of two presentations on the DDA's activities that are required by state law to take place annually, but it was the first presentation to take place at a city council meeting.
At the start of his presentation, Woerpel outlined his view that the DDA is a part of the city and a working partner with the city's government. He said it was his goal to strengthen this relationship and that the two entities were already working closely together -- something he said was due to him being new as the DDA's director and City Manager Jim McNeil also being fresh in his position, having been hired last January.
"The purpose of the DDA is to focus a certain amount of money into the economic development of the downtown. It is not an association that works for the betterment of it's members; it's not a pot of money to be spent on regular city services. As I've mentioned in budget hearings in March, that would be unfair to the other taxing jurisdictions that would otherwise collect the money that currently goes to the DDA," said Woerpel of the DDA's primary function.
Woerpel's presentation highlighted a number of activities conducted by the DDA and projects undertaken with the city, including a joint application between the two entities for a Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC) RAP 2.0 grant, awarded through MEDC's Revitalization and Placemaking 2.0 program. The city's grant was one of only two grants awarded to Upper Peninsula communities, and will be used to add public restrooms and streetscape the eastern portion of Ludington Street. Approving a professional services agreement with Escanaba's own C2AE engineering firm related to the project was the only other item on Thursday's agenda.
Woerpel also highlighted a number of community engagement events, such as popup markets, the Escanaba Beat music series, the city's first-ever Trunk-or-Treat, the city's Christmas tree lighting, and the Escanaba Christmas Parade, which underwent a number of changes this year including changing direction and time.
Looking to the future, Woerpel said there were big plans for the DDA's building at Center Court on Ludington Street. The building was previously owned by the city but was transferred to the DDA not long before Woerpel became the DDA's director.
"Our goal is to transform the property into an information center and serve as an inspiration to the downtown. The building has been painted and a public bathroom installed, but I would also like to spread the idea of using art to inspire our town. Despite an email that I received that said no one wants art in the downtown, I believe that art can tell the story of who we are as a community," said Woerpel.
Woerpel went on to say fundraising efforts would soon be announced for an art garden at Center Court, highlighting the work of area artist, offering historical depictions, and featuring a sculpture depicting the monarch butterfly migration.
Woerpel also used his time at the podium to give a series of awards to DDA members and volunteers. Peppered throughout his presentation were five "Community Service Awards," presented to Rebecca Bender, Wendy Pepin, Jessica Thorsen, and Samantha Gaudino.
Following the presentation, Mayor Mark Ammel commented on Woerpel's leadership of the authority.
"We think you're doing a great job. It's a large task to undertake, taking over something like that. There was some turmoil prior to, including the COVID years, and to hit the ground on your feet and come up with this much progress. I think most of the board members are happy to serve, and they're more involved and you've produced quite a bit in a short period of time, so your efforts have definitely been noticed," he said.