About UsOur Mission
The mission of the Grand Rapids Downtown Alliance is to help create an attractive, vibrant, economically successful, and safe downtown for Grand Rapids and its region.
Our Team
Our team is comprised of ambassadors who are enthusiastic contributors to a thriving Downtown Grand Rapids. We have one full-time Executive Director who is supported by a working board of directors and an active team of committee members who are stewards of possibility for the core of our community.
History
The Grand Rapids Economic Development Authority’s (GREDA) updated Downtown Plan identifies the lack of an organization to serve as a public-private coalition to support downtown as a barrier to a healthy downtown area. The establishment of such an organization is identified as a priority in the plan.
In January, GREDA establishes an Advisory Committee of downtown stakeholders, comprised of business and property owners and anchor institutions in the community to advance the goal of creating organizational capacity to provide ongoing guidance to Downtown.
In May, members of the Advisory Committee participate in a three-day, two-night tour of five peer downtown areas in Minnesota to learn more about how communities organize to cultivate vibrant community centers.
After receiving a 3-year startup grand from the Blandin Foundation, a Board of Directors is formed and the Grand Rapids Downtown Alliance is officially established as a nonprofit organization in September 2025.
The Alliance’s first Executive Director is hired in January, and the organization is announced to the public. Committees are created and foundational work begins.
Partners
We are actively working to build partnerships that benefit our members and community through coordination, shared resources, efficiency, and connection. Our downtown-focused mission complements these partner’s efforts and brings together public and private sectors in our work towards a thriving Grand Rapids.
The Alliance receives foundational support from Blandin Foundation.
Frequently Asked Questions
Take a look at our FAQs for more info on our organization and how we operate.