Downtown Monroe Michigan Development Authority

05/22/2026

✨ The BIG Program is BACK in Downtown Monroe! ✨

A strong downtown doesn’t happen by accident, it takes BIG investment, and the Downtown Development Authority (DDA) is excited to announce the return of the Building Investment Grant (BIG) Program!

This reimbursement-based grant is designed to help downtown building owners and business tenants breathe new life to their spaces while preserving the character that makes the downtown district so special.

From eye-catching exterior upgrades to essential building improvements, the BIG Program can help support:
• Historic façade restoration (brickwork, windows, cornices & more)
• New or updated signage and awnings
• Roof replacement and exterior repairs
• ADA accessibility improvements (doors, ramps, approaches)
• Removal of hazardous materials like lead paint or asbestos
• Interior systems tied to rehab projects (HVAC, electrical, fire suppression)
• Design and architectural services (up to 10% of project cost)

▶ Application Windows
September 1, 2026 - November 1, 2026
April 1, 2027 - June 1, 2027.

An application link and more information will be posted soon.

05/18/2026

📣 DDA MEETING NOTICE 📣

The DDA will hold its regular meeting on Wednesday, May 20, at 8:30AM in Council Chambers.

The meeting agenda is linked below:
🔗 https://tinyurl.com/3vcuxwx6

04/29/2026

📣 DDA SPECIAL MEETING NOTICE 📣

The DDA will hold a special meeting on Thursday, April 30, at 8:30AM in Council Chambers.

The meeting agenda is linked below:
▶️ https://www.downtownmonroemi.com/about_the_dda/meeting_agendas_and_minutes.php

04/22/2026

▶️A reminder from the Monroe Public Safety Department City of Monroe, MI.

The “Walk Your Wheels” campaign, an initiative that encourages people to walk their bicycles, skateboards, scooters, and similar devices in designated downtown areas. This effort is supported by City of Monroe Ordinance 199-9, which prohibits riding on sidewalks in the Downtown Business District where signage is posted.

See the post below for links to an interactive map that shows where bicycles are permitted and prohibited, as well as the City ordinance regarding bicycles in the downtown area. 🚲

ather warms up, many people are heading out to enjoy the sunshine and all that our beautiful downtown has to offer. The Monroe Public Safety Department wants to remind everyone to prioritize safety while traveling through downtown.

We are launching the “Walk Your Wheels” campaign, an initiative that encourages people to walk their bicycles, skateboards, scooters, and similar devices in designated downtown areas. This effort is supported by City of Monroe Ordinance 199-9, which prohibits riding on sidewalks in the Downtown Business District where signage is posted.

Our focus is on education and raising awareness, helping both residents and visitors understand how small actions can make a significant difference in preventing accidents and ensuring safety. Please note that this ordinance does not apply to ADA-approved mobility devices.

Below is a link to the map that shows where bicycles are permitted and prohibited, as well as the City of Monroe ordinance regarding bicycles in the downtown area:

Map - https://www.monroemi.gov/cms/One.aspx?portalId=10126595&pageId=19513297

City Ordinance 199-9: https://ecode360.com/12406518

04/13/2026

📣 DDA MEETING NOTICE 📣

The DDA will meet on Wednesday, April 15, at 8:30 a.m. in Council Chambers.

The meeting agenda is linked below:
🔗https://tinyurl.com/3vcuxwx6

04/09/2026

BIG news for the former McGeady's Town Pub 🎉 We can't wait to see Archer's Book Lounge come to life! 📚

03/16/2026

📣 DDA MEETING NOTICE 📣

The DDA will meet on Wednesday, March 18, at 8:30 a.m. in Council Chambers.
The meeting agenda is linked below:

🔗 https://tinyurl.com/yfnyfbrr

02/17/2026

📣 DDA MEETING NOTICE 📣

The DDA will meet on Wednesday, February 18, at 8:30 a.m. in Council Chambers.

The meeting agenda is linked below:
▶️ https://tinyurl.com/3vcuxwx6

02/03/2026

⚠️ FYI - happening tonight. ⚠️

🚧 𝐎𝐕𝐄𝐑𝐍𝐈𝐆𝐇𝐓 𝐒𝐍𝐎𝐖 𝐑𝐄𝐌𝐎𝐕𝐀𝐋 – 𝐌𝐨𝐧𝐫𝐨𝐞 𝐒𝐭𝐫𝐞𝐞𝐭 𝐀𝐫𝐞𝐚 🚧

Beginning tonight, the Department of Public Services will have crews out hauling snow from key areas around Monroe Street.

⏰ Tuesday Overnight: 8:00 PM – 8:00 AM Wednesday
📍 Monroe Street between Second St. and Willow St.
➡️ The right lane in each direction on Monroe Street will likely be closed during this time.

Crews will be loading and hauling snow to improve visibility, access and overall safety in these areas following recent snow fall. While Monroe Street is the main focus, there may be brief, isolated closures as equipment works along nearby side streets, including:

• First
• Second
• Front
• Washington
• Macomb

🅿 Parking restrictions will be posted in some areas. If you see them, please avoid parking in those locations overnight to help crews complete the job quickly and efficiently.

01/22/2026

🌳 A NEW VISION: ALTRUSA PARK 🌳

Small in size, big in opportunity - Altrusa Park is being reimagined!

In June of 2025, Monroe City Council approved the awarding of the services agreement with the EDGE Group for schematic designs. Members of the DDA, City staff and community members have been working with the design team to shape the park’s new look.

✨ Initial designs include:
• Three levels that connects the streetscape to the Riverwalk
• Flexible seating and gathering spaces perfect for lunch and enjoying events like Finally Friday concerts
• Terraced seating with built-in lighting
• A new, nature-inspired stage that doubles as an observation deck and outdoor event space
• Open green space

This more than $1 million investment will be funded through the City’s Capital Improvement Program, with support from the general fund, the DDA and available grants. The City also received a grant through Michigan State Housing Development Authority's MI Neighborhood Program in July 2024 in the amount of $75,000 to support the design work and implementation.

Stay tuned for more updates - this is just the beginning!