ELK RAPIDS — The Elk Rapids Downtown Development Authority approved a new strategic plan for the 2026-27 fiscal year during its meeting on Feb. 11, 2026. The roadmap outlines six focus areas intended to strengthen the district’s economic base, preserve real estate and enhance community events.
The board-approved plan, titled “Making Elk Rapids Vibrant, Together,” establishes a series of deadlines through February 2027. These initiatives are designed to help the village maintain progress toward the Michigan Main Street Select Level and Redevelopment Ready Community certified level. The plan focuses on strategic incentives, property reinvestment and leadership development to ensure long-term success for the downtown area.
Economic development efforts include the formal adoption of a Downtown Economic Development Plan by Feb. 28, 2027. This plan will establish implementation priorities and measurable performance indicators. Prior to that, the DDA intends to create a downtown investment prospectus by Nov. 30, 2026, to highlight market data and incentives for recruitment outreach. Additionally, a Business Retention and Recruitment Lead will be designated by May 31, 2026, to conduct outreach to at least 20 local businesses.
The preservation and real estate component of the plan includes the administration of a Facade Grant Program by Nov. 30, 2026. This initiative will track economic health through vacancy rates and private investment metrics. The DDA also aims to complete Phase one of a wayfinding signage project by Aug. 31, 2026, which includes directional elements and gateway monuments. For long-term redevelopment, the authority is coordinating with community partners and the Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes and Energy to advance plans for the Portside Cleaners site by February 2027.
Community engagement and placemaking goals focus on the visual identity and operational guidance of local events. The DDA plans to install light post banners on Ames and River streets by Nov. 30, 2026. By May 31, 2026, the authority seeks approval from the Village Council for an Events Ordinance. The plan also calls for hosting at least two Stronger Together collaboration events by late November, with a goal of attracting at least 25 stakeholders per event.
Marketing and communication initiatives involve the launch of the “Consider Elk Rapids” campaign by Aug. 31, 2026. To support tourism and local navigation, the DDA intends to implement a Branding Guide and distribute updated digital and physical visitor maps by May 31, 2026. The authority will also deliver biannual presentations to stakeholders in May and November to summarize economic progress and marketing impact.
To build organizational capacity, the DDA aims to recruit and onboard two new board members by May 31, 2026. A structured volunteer recruitment program is scheduled to launch by Aug. 31, 2026, with a final goal of onboarding 10 active volunteers by February 2027. Operational goals also include establishing a formal fundraising framework by late August and completing the 2027-2028 budget planning by February 2027.
The DDA expects to designate a Business Retention and Recruitment Lead and finalize its Branding Guide by May 31, 2026. The authority will also seek approval for the new Events Ordinance from the Village Council by that same date.