Welcome to
Historic Downtown
Imlay City

Nestled among the quiet tree-lined streets of Michigan’s Thumb Region, Downtown Imlay City provides locals and visitors a wealth of opportunity and possibility.

“Investing in a community isn’t exclusively about creating wealth. It's also about placemaking and a sense of belonging. Imlay City boasts a small-town atmosphere that is connected to big-time population centers.  Our focus is in helping you achieve success while building strong community bonds, pride in our heritage and commitment to ensuring a positive future through collaboration.”        

- Christine Malzahn, DDA Executive Director

Poster for Imlay City informational meeting on December 9, 2024.

Bi-Annual Information Update

About the Authority

Established in 1976, the Imlay City Downtown Development Authority is under the supervision and control of a board consisting of a chief executive officer of the municipality and no less than eight, nor more than twelve members as determined by the governing body of the municipality.

The function of the authority is to propose, finance and implement public improvements in the downtown development district. The Imlay City Downtown Development Authority is ultimately responsible for the revitalization of the downtown district as it is defined by Imlay City ordinance.

Here is the link to the complete report presented at the DDA Informational meeting held on December 9, 2024.

 

Events

Check back soon for 2025 events details .

Imlay City Facade Corp Revitalization Grant

The Imlay City Facade Corporation (a DDA non-profit entity) is putting a call out for building remediation projects.  Qualified project applicants can apply for up to $500,000 in grant funding with a 50% match for eligible costs.  These funds can be used for interior or exterior renovations - see rules and guidelines.  Funds are limited.  But hurry applications must be submitted by 12:00 pm December 13, 2024.
Downtownbuildings2000

DDA Facade Grant

Is your commercial building in need of a little sprucing up?  The DDA can help with that!  We are currently accepting applications for façade improvements including paint, windows, doors and even new signage, providing up to $5,000 in  50% matching funds grant.
Colorful stylized cityscape with diverse architectural styles.
Imlay City Hometown Hero military appreciation poster template

The Military Hometown Hero Progam

The Military Hometown Hero program has been created to recognize military personnel that reside or have resided in Lapeer County; those who can and do call Imlay City their hometown.

These banners will be displayed mid-late May.

Community Programs

I AM Imlay City Community Storytelling Project

The Imlay City DDA is excited to bring together our community collaborators to showcase our historical figures, current contributors, and future leaders. Our storytelling project gives purpose to where we’ve been, what we’ve achieved, and the path forward to a thriving community.  If you are interested in submitting your story complete the application and email it to ddadirector@imlaycity.org

Board Meetings

13 Jan

Current Meeting Documents

Imlay City boasts a small-town atmosphere that is connected to big- time population centers. Our quaint downtown includes beautifully manicured landscaping with bench-lined sidewalks plus a mix of service businesses and quaint shopping locations.  A welcome retreat from busy city life. Found on the I-69 corridor less than an hour away from Detroit, Flint, Port Huron, and Canada, Imlay City is easily accessible by road, air, and rail, making it a strategic hub for many businesses and manufacturers.

Doing Business

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We have the  helpful information you need to start and/or grow a business in Imlay City.

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The DDA created an incubator at 150 Bancroft, a Downtown Development Authority owned building, and is offering entrepreneurs, artists or event organizers use of the space for limited time periods (up to 6 months) rent free.

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Business or property owners within the DDA District may be eligible for a Facade Grant.  The application and approval process is very user-friendly and easy to execute.

Take in Imlay City's Charm

We invite you to visit our exceptional Downtown area!

The Downtown Imlay City District includes a beautifully manicured traditional downtown, easily accessible shopping along M-53, and a busy industrial park. The downtown area is able to fulfill your shopping needs with everything from exceptional gift and antique shops to one of kind services and distinctive local merchants. There are restaurants to tempt any palette including an authentic Mexican meal, an amazing bar burger, sweet treats and many more options.

Come and discover Imlay City again... and again!

Categories

Imlay City DDA

150 North Main Street

Imlay City, MI 48444

8:00 AM- 4:30 PM