This June, the Michigan Downtown Association (MDA) Summer Workshop will be held in Downtown Alpena. The workshop is expected to bring 50-60 downtown professionals from throughout the state to Downtown Alpena to enjoy a walking tour and networking event on Thursday, June 1, and a workshop with a day full of sessions related to economic and downtown development on Friday, June 2. The workshop will be held at the Alpena County George N. Fletcher Public Library.

The theme of the workshop is “Having it All- Creating & Maintaining a Well-Rounded and Strong Downtown,” and some of the sessions include:

• Having a healthy business mix
• Public art: you got to have it
• Planning for a streetscape project

Alpena DDA Executive Director Anne Gentry will be speaking on the panel related to public art, speaking on how the arts have been critical to Downtown Alpena’s transformation, from the Alpena Street Performers to the Fresh Waves mural project. You can view a brochure with all the sessions listed here.

Founded in 1980, the Michigan Downtown Association (MDA) is a state-wide, non-profit organization and a driving force in the interest and growth of downtowns and communities throughout Michigan. The MDA has over 200 members from around the state, ranging from Downtown Development Authority (DDA)’s, private businesses, consulting firms, cities, townships, and other individuals interested in the growth of Michigan Downtowns.

The MDA hosts annual events year-round, including a Legislative Day in March where members meet with legislators on downtown-related topics, a Summer Workshop, and an Annual Conference in the fall.

This is the first time that the MDA has held an event in Downtown Alpena, and we are excited to show off all the projects and improvements that our community has brought to life in our downtown!

Registration is open for the workshop for members of the public, which includes tickets to the networking event and walking tour the day before. You can learn more here.