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DOWNTOWN DEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY


Act 197 of 1975

AN ACT to provide for the establishment of a downtown development authority; to 
prescribe its powers and duties; to correct and prevent deterioration in 
business districts; to encourage historic preservation; to authorize the 
acquisition and disposal of interests in real and personal property; to 
authorize the creation and implementation of development plans in the districts; 
to promote the economic growth of the districts; to create a board; to prescribe 
its powers and duties; to authorize the levy and collection of taxes; to 
authorize the issuance of bonds and other evidences of indebtedness; to 
authorize the use of tax increment financing; to reimburse downtown development 
authorities for certain losses of tax increment revenues; and to prescribe the 
powers and duties of certain state officials.


History: 1975, Act 197, Imd. Eff. Aug. 13, 1975 ;-- Am. 1988, Act 425, Imd. Eff. 
Dec. 27, 1988 ;-- Am. 1993, Act 323, Eff. Mar. 15, 1994 
Popular Name: DDA
Popular Name: Downtown Development Authority Act

© 2009 Legislative Council, State of Michigan


The People of the State of Michigan enact:


125.1651 Definitions.
Sec. 1.
As used in this act:
(a) "Advance" means a transfer of funds made by a municipality to an authority 
or to another person on behalf of the authority in anticipation of repayment by 
the authority. Evidence of the intent to repay an advance may include, but is 
not limited to, an executed agreement to repay, provisions contained in a tax 
increment financing plan approved prior to the advance, or a resolution of the 
authority or the municipality.
(b) "Assessed value" means 1 of the following:
(i) For valuations made before January 1, 1995, the state equalized valuation as 
determined under the general property tax act, 1893 PA 206, MCL 211.1 to 
211.155.
(ii) For valuations made after December 31, 1994, the taxable value as 
determined under section 27a of the general property tax act, 1893 PA 206, MCL 
211.27a.
(c) "Authority" means a downtown development authority created pursuant to this 
act.
(d) "Board" means the governing body of an authority.
(e) "Business district" means an area in the downtown of a municipality zoned 
and used principally for business.
(f) "Captured assessed value" means the amount in any 1 year by which the 
current assessed value of the project area, including the assessed value of 
property for which specific local taxes are paid in lieu of property taxes as 
determined in subdivision (aa), exceeds the initial assessed value. The state 
tax commission shall prescribe the method for calculating captured assessed 
value.
(g) "Catalyst development project" means a project that is located in a 
municipality with a population greater than 600,000, is designated by the 
authority as a catalyst development project, and is expected to result in at 
least $300,000,000.00 of capital investment. There shall be no more than 1 
catalyst development project designated within each authority.
(h) "Chief executive officer" means the mayor or city manager of a city, the 
president or village manager of a village, or the supervisor of a township or, 
if designated by the township board for purposes of this act, the township 
superintendent or township manager of a township.
(i) "Development area" means that area to which a development plan is 
applicable.
(j) "Development plan" means that information and those requirements for a 
development plan set forth in section 17.
(k) "Development program" means the implementation of the development plan.
(l) "Downtown district" means that part of an area in a business district that 
is specifically designated by ordinance of the governing body of the 
municipality pursuant to this act. A downtown district may include 1 or more 
separate and distinct geographic areas in a business district as determined by 
the municipality if the municipality enters into an agreement with a qualified 
township under section 3(7) or if the municipality is a city that surrounds 
another city and that other city lies between the 2 separate and distinct 
geographic areas. If the downtown district contains more than 1 separate and 
distinct geographic area in the downtown district, the separate and distinct 
geographic areas shall be considered 1 downtown district.
(m) "Eligible advance" means an advance made before August 19, 1993.
(n) "Eligible obligation" means an obligation issued or incurred by an authority 
or by a municipality on behalf of an authority before August 19, 1993 and its 
subsequent refunding by a qualified refunding obligation. Eligible obligation 
includes an authority's written agreement entered into before August 19, 1993 to 
pay an obligation issued after August 18, 1993 and before December 31, 1996 by 
another entity on behalf of the authority.
(o) "Fire alarm system" means a system designed to detect and annunciate the 
presence of fire, or by-products of fire. Fire alarm system includes smoke 
detectors.
(p) "Fiscal year" means the fiscal year of the authority.
(q) "Governing body of a municipality" means the elected body of a municipality 
having legislative powers.
(r) "Initial assessed value" means the assessed value, as equalized, of all the 
taxable property within the boundaries of the development area at the time the 
ordinance establishing the tax increment financing plan is approved, as shown by 
the most recent assessment roll of the municipality for which equalization has 
been completed at the time the resolution is adopted. Property exempt from 
taxation at the time of the determination of the initial assessed value shall be 
included as zero. For the purpose of determining initial assessed value, 
property for which a specific local tax is paid in lieu of a property tax shall 
not be considered to be property that is exempt from taxation. The initial 
assessed value of property for which a specific local tax was paid in lieu of a 
property tax shall be determined as provided in subdivision (aa). In the case of 
a municipality having a population of less than 35,000 that established an 
authority prior to 1985, created a district or districts, and approved a 
development plan or tax increment financing plan or amendments to a plan, and 
which plan or tax increment financing plan or amendments to a plan, and which 
plan expired by its terms December 31, 1991, the initial assessed value for the 
purpose of any plan or plan amendment adopted as an extension of the expired 
plan shall be determined as if the plan had not expired December 31, 1991. For a 
development area designated before 1997 in which a renaissance zone has 
subsequently been designated pursuant to the Michigan renaissance zone act, 1996 
PA 376, MCL 125.2681 to 125.2696, the initial assessed value of the development 
area otherwise determined under this subdivision shall be reduced by the amount 
by which the current assessed value of the development area was reduced in 1997 
due to the exemption of property under section 7ff of the general property tax 
act, 1893 PA 206, MCL 211.7ff, but in no case shall the initial assessed value 
be less than zero.
(s) "Municipality" means a city, village, or township.
(t) "Obligation" means a written promise to pay, whether evidenced by a 
contract, agreement, lease, sublease, bond, or note, or a requirement to pay 
imposed by law. An obligation does not include a payment required solely because 
of default upon an obligation, employee salaries, or consideration paid for the 
use of municipal offices. An obligation does not include those bonds that have 
been economically defeased by refunding bonds issued under this act. Obligation 
includes, but is not limited to, the following:
(i) A requirement to pay proceeds derived from ad valorem property taxes or 
taxes levied in lieu of ad valorem property taxes.
(ii) A management contract or a contract for professional services.
(iii) A payment required on a contract, agreement, bond, or note if the 
requirement to make or assume the payment arose before August 19, 1993.
(iv) A requirement to pay or reimburse a person for the cost of insurance for, 
or to maintain, property subject to a lease, land contract, purchase agreement, 
or other agreement.
(v) A letter of credit, paying agent, transfer agent, bond registrar, or trustee 
fee associated with a contract, agreement, bond, or note.
(u) "On behalf of an authority", in relation to an eligible advance made by a 
municipality, or an eligible obligation or other protected obligation issued or 
incurred by a municipality, means in anticipation that an authority would 
transfer tax increment revenues or reimburse the municipality from tax increment 
revenues in an amount sufficient to fully make payment required by the eligible 
advance made by the municipality, or eligible obligation or other protected 
obligation issued or incurred by the municipality, if the anticipation of the 
transfer or receipt of tax increment revenues from the authority is pursuant to 
or evidenced by 1 or more of the following:
(i) A reimbursement agreement between the municipality and an authority it 
established.
(ii) A requirement imposed by law that the authority transfer tax increment 
revenues to the municipality.
(iii) A resolution of the authority agreeing to make payments to the 
incorporating unit.
(iv) Provisions in a tax increment financing plan describing the project for 
which the obligation was incurred.
(v) "Operations" means office maintenance, including salaries and expenses of 
employees, office supplies, consultation fees, design costs, and other expenses 
incurred in the daily management of the authority and planning of its 
activities.
(w) "Other protected obligation" means:
(i) A qualified refunding obligation issued to refund an obligation described in 
subparagraph (ii), (iii), or (iv), an obligation that is not a qualified 
refunding obligation that is issued to refund an eligible obligation, or a 
qualified refunding obligation issued to refund an obligation described in this 
subparagraph.
(ii) An obligation issued or incurred by an authority or by a municipality on 
behalf of an authority after August 19, 1993, but before December 31, 1994, to 
finance a project described in a tax increment finance plan approved by the 
municipality in accordance with this act before December 31, 1993, for which a 
contract for final design is entered into by or on behalf of the municipality or 
authority before March 1, 1994 or for which a written agreement with a 
developer, titled preferred development agreement, was entered into by or on 
behalf of the municipality or authority in July 1993.
(iii) An obligation incurred by an authority or municipality after August 19, 
1993, to reimburse a party to a development agreement entered into by a 
municipality or authority before August 19, 1993, for a project described in a 
tax increment financing plan approved in accordance with this act before August 
19, 1993, and undertaken and installed by that party in accordance with the 
development agreement.
(iv) An obligation incurred by the authority evidenced by or to finance a 
contract to purchase real property within a development area or a contract to 
develop that property within the development area, or both, if all of the 
following requirements are met:
(A) The authority purchased the real property in 1993.
(B) Before June 30, 1995, the authority enters a contract for the development of 
the real property located within the development area.
(C) In 1993, the authority or municipality on behalf of the authority received 
approval for a grant from both of the following:
(I) The department of natural resources for site reclamation of the real 
property.
(II) The department of consumer and industry services for development of the 
real property.
(v) An ongoing management or professional services contract with the governing 
body of a county which was entered into before March 1, 1994 and which was 
preceded by a series of limited term management or professional services 
contracts with the governing body of the county, the last of which was entered 
into before August 19, 1993.
(vi) A loan from a municipality to an authority if the loan was approved by the 
legislative body of the municipality on April 18, 1994.
(vii) Funds expended to match a grant received by a municipality on behalf of an 
authority for sidewalk improvements from the Michigan department of 
transportation if the legislative body of the municipality approved the grant 
application on April 5, 1993 and the grant was received by the municipality in 
June 1993.
(viii) For taxes captured in 1994, an obligation described in this subparagraph 
issued or incurred to finance a project. An obligation is considered issued or 
incurred to finance a project described in this subparagraph only if all of the 
following are met:
(A) The obligation requires raising capital for the project or paying for the 
project, whether or not a borrowing is involved.
(B) The obligation was part of a development plan and the tax increment 
financing plan was approved by a municipality on May 6, 1991.
(C) The obligation is in the form of a written memorandum of understanding 
between a municipality and a public utility dated October 27, 1994.
(D) The authority or municipality captured school taxes during 1994.
(ix) An obligation incurred after July 31, 2012 by an authority, municipality, 
or other governmental unit to pay for costs associated with a catalyst 
development project.
(x) "Public facility" means a street, plaza, pedestrian mall, and any 
improvements to a street, plaza, or pedestrian mall including street furniture 
and beautification, park, parking facility, recreational facility, right-of-way, 
structure, waterway, bridge, lake, pond, canal, utility line or pipe, building, 
and access routes to any of the foregoing, designed and dedicated to use by the 
public generally, or used by a public agency. Public facility includes an 
improvement to a facility used by the public or a public facility as those terms 
are defined in section 1 of 1966 PA 1, MCL 125.1351, which improvement is made 
to comply with the barrier free design requirements of the state construction 
code promulgated under the Stille-DeRossett-Hale single state construction code 
act, 1972 PA 230, MCL 125.1501 to 125.1531. Public facility also includes the 
acquisition, construction, improvement, and operation of a building owned or 
leased by the authority to be used as a retail business incubator.
(y) "Qualified refunding obligation" means an obligation issued or incurred by 
an authority or by a municipality on behalf of an authority to refund an 
obligation if 1 or more of the following apply:
(i) The obligation is issued to refund a qualified refunding obligation issued 
in November 1997 and any subsequent refundings of that obligation issued before 
January 1, 2010 or the obligation is issued to refund a qualified refunding 
obligation issued on May 15, 1997 and any subsequent refundings of that 
obligation issued before January 1, 2010 in an authority in which 1 parcel or 
group of parcels under common ownership represents 50% or more of the taxable 
value captured within the tax increment finance district and that will 
ultimately provide for at least a 40% reduction in the taxable value of the 
property as part of a negotiated settlement as a result of an appeal filed with 
the state tax tribunal. Qualified refunding obligations issued under this 
subparagraph are not subject to the requirements of section 611 of the revised 
municipal finance act, 2001 PA 34, MCL 141.2611, if issued before January 1, 
2010. The duration of the development program described in the tax increment 
financing plan relating to the qualified refunding obligations issued under this 
subparagraph is hereby extended to 1 year after the final date of maturity of 
the qualified refunding obligations.
(ii) The refunding obligation meets both of the following:
(A) The net present value of the principal and interest to be paid on the 
refunding obligation, including the cost of issuance, will be less than the net 
present value of the principal and interest to be paid on the obligation being 
refunded, as calculated using a method approved by the department of treasury.
(B) The net present value of the sum of the tax increment revenues described in 
subdivision (cc)(ii) and the distributions under section 13b to repay the 
refunding obligation will not be greater than the net present value of the sum 
of the tax increment revenues described in subdivision (cc)(ii) and the 
distributions under section 13b to repay the obligation being refunded, as 
calculated using a method approved by the department of treasury.
(iii) The obligation is issued to refund an other protected obligation issued as 
a capital appreciation bond delivered to the Michigan municipal bond authority 
on December 21, 1994 and any subsequent refundings of that obligation issued 
before January 1, 2012. Qualified refunding obligations issued under this 
subparagraph are not subject to the requirements of section 305(2), (3), (5), 
and (6), section 501, section 503, or section 611 of the revised municipal 
finance act, 2001 PA 34, MCL 141.2305, 141.2501, 141.2503, and 141.2611, if 
issued before January 1, 2012. The duration of the development program described 
in the tax increment financing plan relating to the qualified refunding 
obligations issued under this subparagraph is extended to 1 year after the final 
date of maturity of the qualified refunding obligations. The obligation may be 
payable through the year 2025 at an interest rate not exceeding the maximum rate 
permitted by law, notwithstanding the bond maturity dates contained in the 
notice of intent to issue bonds published by the municipality. An obligation 
issued under this subparagraph is a qualified refunding obligation only to the 
extent that revenues described in subdivision (cc)(ii) and distributions under 
section 13b to repay the qualified refunding obligation do not exceed 
$750,000.00.
(iv) The obligation is issued to refund a qualified refunding obligation issued 
on February 13, 2008, and any subsequent refundings of that obligation, issued 
before December 31, 2018. Qualified refunding obligations issued under this 
subparagraph are not subject to the requirements of section 305(2), (3), (5), 
and (6), 501, 503, or 611 of the revised municipal finance act, 2001 PA 34, MCL 
141.2305, 141.2501, 141.2503, and 141.2611. The duration of the development 
program described in the tax increment financing plan relating to the qualified 
refunding obligations issued under this subparagraph is extended to 1 year after 
the final date of maturity of the qualified refunding obligations. Revenues 
described in subdivision (cc)(ii) and distributions made under section 13b in 
excess of the amount needed for current year debt service on an obligation 
issued under this subparagraph may be paid to the authority to the extent 
necessary to pay future years' debt service on the obligation as determined by 
the board.
(z) "Qualified township" means a township that meets all of the following 
requirements:
(i) Was not eligible to create an authority prior to January 3, 2005.
(ii) Adjoins a municipality that previously created an authority.
(iii) Along with the adjoining municipality that previously created an 
authority, is a member of the same joint planning commission under the joint 
municipal planning act, 2003 PA 226, MCL 125.131 to 125.143.
(aa) "Specific local tax" means a tax levied under 1974 PA 198, MCL 207.551 to 
207.572, the commercial redevelopment act, 1978 PA 255, MCL 207.651 to 207.668, 
the technology park development act, 1984 PA 385, MCL 207.701 to 207.718, and 
1953 PA 189, MCL 211.181 to 211.182. The initial assessed value or current 
assessed value of property subject to a specific local tax shall be the quotient 
of the specific local tax paid divided by the ad valorem millage rate. However, 
after 1993, the state tax commission shall prescribe the method for calculating 
the initial assessed value and current assessed value of property for which a 
specific local tax was paid in lieu of a property tax.
(bb) "State fiscal year" means the annual period commencing October 1 of each 
year.
(cc) "Tax increment revenues" means the amount of ad valorem property taxes and 
specific local taxes attributable to the application of the levy of all taxing 
jurisdictions upon the captured assessed value of real and personal property in 
the development area, subject to the following requirements:
(i) Tax increment revenues include ad valorem property taxes and specific local 
taxes attributable to the application of the levy of all taxing jurisdictions 
other than the state pursuant to the state education tax act, 1993 PA 331, MCL 
211.901 to 211.906, and local or intermediate school districts upon the captured 
assessed value of real and personal property in the development area for any 
purpose authorized by this act.
(ii) Tax increment revenues include ad valorem property taxes and specific local 
taxes attributable to the application of the levy of the state pursuant to the 
state education tax act, 1993 PA 331, MCL 211.901 to 211.906, and local or 
intermediate school districts upon the captured assessed value of real and 
personal property in the development area in an amount equal to the amount 
necessary, without regard to subparagraph (i), to repay eligible advances, 
eligible obligations, and other protected obligations.
(iii) Tax increment revenues do not include any of the following:
(A) Ad valorem property taxes attributable either to a portion of the captured 
assessed value shared with taxing jurisdictions within the jurisdictional area 
of the authority or to a portion of value of property that may be excluded from 
captured assessed value or specific local taxes attributable to such ad valorem 
property taxes.
(B) Ad valorem property taxes excluded by the tax increment financing plan of 
the authority from the determination of the amount of tax increment revenues to 
be transmitted to the authority or specific local taxes attributable to such ad 
valorem property taxes.
(C) Ad valorem property taxes exempted from capture under section 3(3) or 
specific local taxes attributable to such ad valorem property taxes.
(D) Ad valorem property taxes levied under 1 or more of the following or 
specific local taxes attributable to those ad valorem property taxes:
(I) The zoological authorities act, 2008 PA 49, MCL 123.1161 to 123.1183.
(II) The art institute authorities act, 2010 PA 296, MCL 123.1201 to 123.1229.
(iv) The amount of tax increment revenues authorized to be included under 
subparagraph (ii) or (v), and required to be transmitted to the authority under 
section 14(1), from ad valorem property taxes and specific local taxes 
attributable to the application of the levy of the state education tax act, 1993 
PA 331, MCL 211.901 to 211.906, a local school district or an intermediate 
school district upon the captured assessed value of real and personal property 
in a development area shall be determined separately for the levy by the state, 
each school district, and each intermediate school district as the product of 
sub-subparagraphs (A) and (B):
(A) The percentage that the total ad valorem taxes and specific local taxes 
available for distribution by law to the state, local school district, or 
intermediate school district, respectively, bears to the aggregate amount of ad 
valorem millage taxes and specific taxes available for distribution by law to 
the state, each local school district, and each intermediate school district.
(B) The maximum amount of ad valorem property taxes and specific local taxes 
considered tax increment revenues under subparagraph (ii) or (v).
(v) Tax increment revenues include ad valorem property taxes and specific local 
taxes, in an annual amount and for each year approved by the state treasurer, 
attributable to the levy by this state under the state education tax act, 1993 
PA 331, MCL 211.901 to 211.906, and by local or intermediate school districts, 
upon the captured assessed value of real and personal property in the 
development area of an authority established in a city with a population of 
600,000 or more to pay for, or reimburse an advance for, not more than 
$8,000,000.00 for the demolition of buildings or structures on public or 
privately owned property within a development area that commences in 2005, or to 
pay the annual principal of or interest on an obligation, the terms of which are 
approved by the state treasurer, issued by an authority, or by a city on behalf 
of an authority, to pay not more than $8,000,000.00 of the costs to demolish 
buildings or structures on public or privately owned property within a 
development area that commences in 2005.
(vi) Tax increment revenues include ad valorem property taxes and specific local 
taxes attributable to the levy by this state under the state education tax act, 
1993 PA 331, MCL 211.201 to 211.906, and by local or intermediate school 
districts which were levied on or after July 1, 2010, upon the captured assessed 
value of real and personal property in the development area of an authority 
established in a city with a population of 600,000 or more to pay for, or 
reimburse an advance for, costs associated with the land acquisition, 
preliminary site work, and construction of a catalyst development project.

History: 1975, Act 197, Imd. Eff. Aug. 13, 1975 ;-- Am. 1985, Act 221, Imd. Eff. 
Jan. 10, 1986 ;-- Am. 1993, Act 323, Eff. Mar. 15, 1994 ;-- Am. 1994, Act 280, 
Imd. Eff. July 11, 1994 ;-- Am. 1994, Act 330, Imd. Eff. Oct. 14, 1994 ;-- Am. 
1994, Act 381, Imd. Eff. Dec. 28, 1994 ;-- Am. 1996, Act 269, Imd. Eff. June 12, 
1996 ;-- Am. 1996, Act 454, Imd. Eff. Dec. 19, 1996 ;-- Am. 1997, Act 202, Imd. 
Eff. Jan. 13, 1998 ;-- Am. 2003, Act 136, Imd. Eff. Aug. 1, 2003 ;-- Am. 2004, 
Act 66, Imd. Eff. Apr. 20, 2004 ;-- Am. 2004, Act 158, Imd. Eff. June 17, 2004 
;-- Am. 2004, Act 196, Imd. Eff. July 8, 2004 ;-- Am. 2005, Act 13, Imd. Eff. 
May 4, 2005 ;-- Am. 2005, Act 115, Imd. Eff. Sept. 22, 2005 ;-- Am. 2006, Act 
659, Imd. Eff. Jan. 10, 2007 ;-- Am. 2008, Act 35, Imd. Eff. Mar. 14, 2008 ;-- 
Am. 2008, Act 225, Imd. Eff. July 17, 2008 ;-- Am. 2011, Act 24, Imd. Eff. Apr. 
28, 2011 ;-- Am. 2012, Act 396, Imd. Eff. Dec. 19, 2012 ;-- Am. 2013, Act 66, 
Imd. Eff. June 19, 2013 
Compiler's Notes: Enacting section 1 of Act 202 of 1997 provides:“The provisions 
of section 1 and section 13b, as amended by this amendatory act, are retroactive 
and effective for taxes levied after 1993.”
Popular Name: DDA
Popular Name: Downtown Development Authority Act

© 2009 Legislative Council, State of Michigan


125.1651a Legislative findings.
Sec. 1a.
The legislature finds all of the following:
(a) That there exists in this state conditions of property value deterioration 
detrimental to the state economy and the economic growth of the state and its 
local units of government. 
(b) That government programs are desirable and necessary to eliminate the causes 
of property value deterioration thereby benefiting the economic growth of the 
state.
(c) That it is appropriate to finance these government programs by means 
available to the state and local units of government in the state, including tax 
increment financing.
(d) That tax increment financing is a government financing program that 
contributes to economic growth and development by dedicating a portion of the 
increase in the tax base resulting from economic growth and development to 
facilities, structures, or improvements within a development area thereby 
facilitating economic growth and development.
(e) That it is necessary for the legislature to exercise its power to legislate 
tax increment financing as authorized in this act and in the exercise of this 
power to mandate the transfer of tax increment revenues by city, village, 
township, school district, and county treasurers to authorities created under 
this act in order to effectuate the legislative government programs to eliminate 
property value deterioration and to promote economic growth.
(f) That halting property value deterioration and promoting economic growth in 
the state are essential governmental functions and constitute essential public 
purposes. 
(g) That economic development strengthens the tax base upon which local units of 
government rely and that government programs to eliminate property value 
deterioration benefit local units of government and are for the use of the local 
units of government.
(h) That the provisions of this act are enacted to provide a means for local 
units of government to eliminate property value deterioration and to promote 
economic growth in the communities served by those local units of government.

History: Add. 1988, Act 425, Imd. Eff. Dec. 27, 1988 
Compiler's Notes: Section 2 of Act 425 of 1988 provides: “This amendatory act is 
effective beginning with taxes levied in 1989. However, for taxes levied before 
1989, tax increment revenues based on the definition of initial assessed value 
provided for in this amendatory act that were received by an authority are 
validated.”
Popular Name: DDA
Popular Name: Downtown Development Authority Act

© 2009 Legislative Council, State of Michigan


125.1652 Authority; establishment; restriction; public body corporate; powers 
generally.
Sec. 2.
(1) Except as otherwise provided in this subsection, a municipality may 
establish 1 authority. If, before November 1, 1985, a municipality establishes 
more than 1 authority, those authorities may continue to exist as separate 
authorities. Under the conditions described in section 3a, a municipality may 
have more than 1 authority within that municipality's boundaries. A parcel of 
property shall not be included in more than 1 authority created by this act.
(2) An authority shall be a public body corporate which may sue and be sued in 
any court of this state. An authority possesses all the powers necessary to 
carry out the purpose of its incorporation. The enumeration of a power in this 
act shall not be construed as a limitation upon the general powers of an 
authority. 

History: 1975, Act 197, Imd. Eff. Aug. 13, 1975 ;-- Am. 1985, Act 159, Imd. Eff. 
Nov. 15, 1985 
Popular Name: DDA
Popular Name: Downtown Development Authority Act

© 2009 Legislative Council, State of Michigan


125.1653 Resolution of intent to create and provide for operation of authority; 
public hearing on proposed ordinance creating authority and designating 
boundaries of downtown district; notice; exemption of taxes from capture; 
adoption, filing, and publication of ordinance; altering or amending boundaries; 
agreement with adjoining municipality; agreement with qualified township.
Sec. 3.
(1) When the governing body of a municipality determines that it is necessary 
for the best interests of the public to halt property value deterioration and 
increase property tax valuation where possible in its business district, to 
eliminate the causes of that deterioration, and to promote economic growth, the 
governing body may, by resolution, declare its intention to create and provide 
for the operation of an authority.
(2) In the resolution of intent, the governing body shall set a date for the 
holding of a public hearing on the adoption of a proposed ordinance creating the 
authority and designating the boundaries of the downtown district. Notice of the 
public hearing shall be published twice in a newspaper of general circulation in 
the municipality, not less than 20 or more than 40 days before the date of the 
hearing. Not less than 20 days before the hearing, the governing body proposing 
to create the authority shall also mail notice of the hearing to the property 
taxpayers of record in the proposed district and for a public hearing to be held 
after February 15, 1994 to the governing body of each taxing jurisdiction 
levying taxes that would be subject to capture if the authority is established 
and a tax increment financing plan is approved. Beginning June 1, 2005, the 
notice of hearing within the time frame described in this subsection shall be 
mailed by certified mail to the governing body of each taxing jurisdiction 
levying taxes that would be subject to capture if the authority is established 
and a tax increment financing plan is approved. Failure of a property taxpayer 
to receive the notice shall not invalidate these proceedings. Notice of the 
hearing shall be posted in at least 20 conspicuous and public places in the 
proposed downtown district not less than 20 days before the hearing. The notice 
shall state the date, time, and place of the hearing, and shall describe the 
boundaries of the proposed downtown district. A citizen, taxpayer, or property 
owner of the municipality or an official from a taxing jurisdiction with millage 
that would be subject to capture has the right to be heard in regard to the 
establishment of the authority and the boundaries of the proposed downtown 
district. The governing body of the municipality shall not incorporate land into 
the downtown district not included in the description contained in the notice of 
public hearing, but it may eliminate described lands from the downtown district 
in the final determination of the boundaries.
(3) Not more than 60 days after a public hearing held after February 15, 1994, 
the governing body of a taxing jurisdiction levying ad valorem property taxes 
that would otherwise be subject to capture may exempt its taxes from capture by 
adopting a resolution to that effect and filing a copy with the clerk of the 
municipality proposing to create the authority. The resolution takes effect when 
filed with that clerk and remains effective until a copy of a resolution 
rescinding that resolution is filed with that clerk.
(4) Not less than 60 days after the public hearing, if the governing body of the 
municipality intends to proceed with the establishment of the authority, it 
shall adopt, by majority vote of its members, an ordinance establishing the 
authority and designating the boundaries of the downtown district within which 
the authority shall exercise its powers. The adoption of the ordinance is 
subject to any applicable statutory or charter provisions in respect to the 
approval or disapproval by the chief executive or other officer of the 
municipality and the adoption of an ordinance over his or her veto. This 
ordinance shall be filed with the secretary of state promptly after its adoption 
and shall be published at least once in a newspaper of general circulation in 
the municipality.
(5) The governing body of the municipality may alter or amend the boundaries of 
the downtown district to include or exclude lands from the downtown district 
pursuant to the same requirements for adopting the ordinance creating the 
authority.
(6) A municipality that has created an authority may enter into an agreement 
with an adjoining municipality that has created an authority to jointly operate 
and administer those authorities under an interlocal agreement under the urban 
cooperation act of 1967, 1967 (Ex Sess) PA 7, MCL 124.501 to 124.512.
(7) A municipality that has created an authority may enter into an agreement 
with a qualified township to operate its authority in a downtown district in the 
qualified township under an interlocal agreement under the urban cooperation act 
of 1967, 1967 (Ex Sess) PA 7, MCL 124.501 to 124.512. The interlocal agreement 
between the municipality and the qualified township shall provide for, but is 
not limited to, all of the following:
(a) Size and makeup of the board.
(b) Determination and modification of downtown district, business district, and 
development area.
(c) Modification of development area and development plan.
(d) Issuance and repayment of obligations.
(e) Capture of taxes.
(f) Notice, hearing, and exemption of taxes from capture provisions described in 
this section.

History: 1975, Act 197, Imd. Eff. Aug. 13, 1975 ;-- Am. 1993, Act 323, Eff. Mar. 
15, 1994 ;-- Am. 2004, Act 521, Imd. Eff. Jan. 3, 2005 ;-- Am. 2005, Act 13, 
Imd. Eff. May 4, 2005 ;-- Am. 2005, Act 115, Imd. Eff. Sept. 22, 2005 
Popular Name: DDA
Popular Name: Downtown Development Authority Act

© 2009 Legislative Council, State of Michigan


125.1653a Authority of annexing or consolidated municipality; obligations, 
agreements, and bonds.
Sec. 3a.
If a downtown district is part of an area annexed to or consolidated with 
another municipality, the authority managing that district shall become an 
authority of the annexing or consolidated municipality. Obligations of that 
authority incurred under a development or tax increment plan, agreements related 
to a development or tax increment plan, and bonds issued under this act shall 
remain in effect following the annexation or consolidation.

History: Add. 1985, Act 159, Imd. Eff. Nov. 15, 1985 
Popular Name: DDA
Popular Name: Downtown Development Authority Act

© 2009 Legislative Council, State of Michigan


125.1653b Ratification and validation of ordinance and actions; compliance.
Sec. 3b.
(1) An ordinance enacted by a municipality that has a population of less than 
50,000 establishing an authority, creating a district, or approving a 
development plan or tax increment financing plan, or an amendment to an 
authority, district, or plan, and all actions taken under that ordinance, 
including the issuance of bonds, are ratified and validated notwithstanding that 
notice for the public hearing on the establishment of the authority, creation of 
the district, or approval of the development plan or tax increment financing 
plan, or on the amendment, was not published, posted, or mailed at least 20 days 
before the hearing, if the notice was published or posted at least 15 days 
before the hearing or the authority was established in 1984 by a village that 
filed the ordinance with the secretary of state not later than March, 1986. This 
section applies only to an ordinance adopted by a municipality before February 
1, 1991, and shall include any bonds or amounts to be used by the authority to 
pay the principal of and interest on bonds that have been issued or that are to 
be issued by the authority, the incorporating municipality, or a county on 
behalf of the incorporating municipality. An authority for which an ordinance or 
amendment to the ordinance establishing the authority has been published before 
February 1, 1991 is considered for purposes of section 3(4) to have promptly 
filed the ordinance or amendment to the ordinance with the secretary of state if 
the ordinance or amendment to the ordinance is filed with the secretary of state 
before October 1, 1991. As used in this section, "notice was published" means 
publication of the notice occurred at least once.
(2) A development plan and tax increment financing plan approved by a resolution 
adopted by the village council of a village having a population of less than 
3,000 before June 15, 1988 rather than by adoption of an ordinance is ratified 
and validated, if an amendment to the plans was adopted by the village council 
in compliance with sections 18 and 19.
(3) A development plan and tax increment financing plan approved by a resolution 
adopted by the village council of a village having a population of less than 
7,000 before June 1, 1998 rather than by adoption of an ordinance is ratified 
and validated if an amendment to the plans was adopted by the village council in 
compliance with sections 18 and 19.

History: Add. 1989, Act 242, Imd. Eff. Dec. 21, 1989 ;-- Am. 1991, Act 66, Imd. 
Eff. July 3, 1991 ;-- Am. 1993, Act 42, Imd. Eff. May 27, 1993 ;-- Am. 1993, Act 
323, Eff. Mar. 15, 1994 ;-- Am. 2006, Act 329, Imd. Eff. Aug. 10, 2006 
Popular Name: DDA
Popular Name: Downtown Development Authority Act

© 2009 Legislative Council, State of Michigan


125.1653c Proceedings or findings; validity.
Sec. 3c.
The validity of the proceedings or findings establishing an authority, or of the 
procedure, adequacy of notice, or findings with respect to the approval of a 
development plan or tax increment financing plan is conclusive with respect to 
the capture of tax increment revenues for an other protected obligation that is 
a bond issued after October 1, 1994.

History: Add. 1994, Act 381, Imd. Eff. Dec. 28, 1994 
Popular Name: DDA
Popular Name: Downtown Development Authority Act

© 2009 Legislative Council, State of Michigan


125.1653d Establishment or amendment of authority, district, or plan; notice; 
publication or posting.
Sec. 3d.
An ordinance enacted by a municipality that has a population of greater than 
1,000 and less than 2,000 establishing an authority, creating a district, or 
approving a development plan or tax increment financing plan, or an amendment to 
an authority, district, or plan, and all actions taken or to be taken under that 
ordinance, including the issuance of bonds, are ratified and validated 
notwithstanding that notice for the public hearing on the establishment of the 
authority, creation of the district, or approval of the development plan or tax 
increment financing plan, or on the amendment, was not published, posted, or 
mailed at least 20 days before the hearing, provided that the notice was either 
published or posted at least 10 days before the hearing or that the authority 
was established in 1990 by a municipality that filed the ordinance with the 
secretary of state not later than July 1991. This section applies only to an 
ordinance or an amendment adopted by a municipality before January 1, 1999 and 
shall include any bonds or amounts to be used by the authority to pay the 
principal of and interest on bonds that have been issued or that are to be 
issued by the authority or the incorporating municipality. An authority for 
which an ordinance or amendment to the ordinance establishing the authority has 
been published before February 1, 1991 is considered for purposes of section 
3(3) to have promptly filed the ordinance or amendment to the ordinance with the 
secretary of state if the ordinance or amendment to the ordinance is filed with 
the secretary of state before December 31, 2002. The validity of the proceedings 
or findings establishing an authority described in this section, or of the 
procedure, adequacy of notice, or findings with respect to the approval of a 
development plan or tax increment financing plan for an authority described in 
this section is conclusive with respect to the capture of tax increment revenues 
for a bond issued after June 1, 2002 and before June 1, 2006. As used in this 
section, “notice was either published or posted” means either publication or 
posting of the notice occurred at least once.

History: Add. 2002, Act 460, Imd. Eff. June 21, 2002 
Popular Name: DDA
Popular Name: Downtown Development Authority Act

© 2009 Legislative Council, State of Michigan


125.1654 Board; appointment, terms, and qualifications of members; vacancy; 
compensation and expenses; election of chairperson; appointment as public 
official; oath; conducting business at public meeting; public notice; special 
meetings; removal of members; review; expense items and financial records; 
availability of writings to public; single board governing all authorities; 
member as resident or having interest in property; planning commission serving 
as board in certain municipalities; modification by interlocal agreement.
Sec. 4.
(1) Except as provided in subsections (7), (8), and (9), an authority shall be 
under the supervision and control of a board consisting of the chief executive 
officer of the municipality and not less than 8 or more than 12 members as 
determined by the governing body of the municipality. Members shall be appointed 
by the chief executive officer of the municipality, subject to approval by the 
governing body of the municipality. Not less than a majority of the members 
shall be persons having an interest in property located in the downtown district 
or officers, members, trustees, principals, or employees of a legal entity 
having an interest in property located in the downtown district. Not less than 1 
of the members shall be a resident of the downtown district, if the downtown 
district has 100 or more persons residing within it. Of the members first 
appointed, an equal number of the members, as near as is practicable, shall be 
appointed for 1 year, 2 years, 3 years, and 4 years. A member shall hold office 
until the member's successor is appointed. Thereafter, each member shall serve 
for a term of 4 years. An appointment to fill a vacancy shall be made by the 
chief executive officer of the municipality for the unexpired term only. Members 
of the board shall serve without compensation, but shall be reimbursed for 
actual and necessary expenses. The chairperson of the board shall be elected by 
the board. The rules of procedure or the bylaws of the authority may provide 
that a person be appointed to the board in his or her capacity as a public 
official, whether appointed or elected. The rules of procedure or bylaws may 
also provide that the public official's term shall expire upon expiration of his 
or her service as a public official. In addition, the public official's 
membership on the board expires on his or her resignation from office as a 
public official.
(2) Before assuming the duties of office, a member shall qualify by taking and 
subscribing to the constitutional oath of office.
(3) The business which the board may perform shall be conducted at a public 
meeting of the board held in compliance with the open meetings act, 1976 PA 267, 
MCL 15.261 to 15.275. Public notice of the time, date, and place of the meeting 
shall be given in the manner required by the open meetings act, 1976 PA 267, MCL 
15.261 to 15.275. The board shall adopt rules consistent with the open meetings 
act, 1976 PA 267, MCL 15.261 to 15.275, governing its procedure and the holding 
of regular meetings, subject to the approval of the governing body. Special 
meetings may be held if called in the manner provided in the rules of the board.
(4) Pursuant to notice and after having been given an opportunity to be heard, a 
member of the board may be removed for cause by the governing body. Removal of a 
member is subject to review by the circuit court.
(5) All expense items of the authority shall be publicized monthly and the 
financial records shall always be open to the public.
(6) In addition to the items and records prescribed in subsection (5), a writing 
prepared, owned, used, in the possession of, or retained by the board in the 
performance of an official function shall be made available to the public in 
compliance with the freedom of information act, 1976 PA 442, MCL 15.231 to 
15.246.
(7) By resolution of its governing body, a municipality having more than 1 
authority may establish a single board to govern all authorities in the 
municipality. The governing body may designate the board of an existing 
authority as the board for all authorities or may establish by resolution a new 
board in the same manner as provided in subsection (1). A member of a board 
governing more than 1 authority may be a resident of or have an interest in 
property in any of the downtown districts controlled by the board in order to 
meet the requirements of this section.
(8) By ordinance, the governing body of a municipality that has a population of 
less than 5,000 may have the municipality's planning commission created pursuant 
to former 1931 PA 285 or the Michigan planning enabling act, 2008 PA 33, MCL 
125.3801 to 125.3885, serve as the board provided for in subsection (1).
(9) If a municipality enters into an agreement with a qualified township under 
section 3(7), the membership of the board may be modified by the interlocal 
agreement described in section 3(7).

History: 1975, Act 197, Imd. Eff. Aug. 13, 1975 ;-- Am. 1978, Act 521, Imd. Eff. 
Dec. 20, 1978 ;-- Am. 1985, Act 159, Imd. Eff. Nov. 15, 1985 ;-- Am. 1987, Act 
66, Imd. Eff. June 25, 1987 ;-- Am. 2005, Act 115, Imd. Eff. Sept. 22, 2005 ;-- 
Am. 2006, Act 279, Imd. Eff. July 7, 2006 ;-- Am. 2012, Act 396, Imd. Eff. Dec. 
19, 2012 
Popular Name: DDA
Popular Name: Downtown Development Authority Act

© 2009 Legislative Council, State of Michigan


125.1655 Director, acting director, treasurer, secretary, legal counsel, and 
other personnel.
Sec. 5.
(1) The board may employ and fix the compensation of a director, subject to the 
approval of the governing body of the municipality. The director shall serve at 
the pleasure of the board. A member of the board is not eligible to hold the 
position of director. Before entering upon the duties of his office, the 
director shall take and subscribe to the constitutional oath, and furnish bond, 
by posting a bond in the penal sum determined in the ordinance establishing the 
authority payable to the authority for use and benefit of the authority, 
approved by the board, and filed with the municipal clerk. The premium on the 
bond shall be deemed an operating expense of the authority, payable from funds 
available to the authority for expenses of operation. The director shall be the 
chief executive officer of the authority. Subject to the approval of the board, 
the director shall supervise, and be responsible for, the preparation of plans 
and the performance of the functions of the authority in the manner authorized 
by this act. The director shall attend the meetings of the board, and shall 
render to the board and to the governing body of the municipality a regular 
report covering the activities and financial condition of the authority. If the 
director is absent or disabled, the board may designate a qualified person as 
acting director to perform the duties of the office. Before entering upon the 
duties of his office, the acting director shall take and subscribe to the oath, 
and furnish bond, as required of the director. The director shall furnish the 
board with information or reports governing the operation of the authority as 
the board requires.
(2) The board may employ and fix the compensation of a treasurer, who shall keep 
the financial records of the authority and who, together with the director, 
shall approve all vouchers for the expenditure of funds of the authority. The 
treasurer shall perform such other duties as may be delegated to him by the 
board and shall furnish bond in an amount as prescribed by the board.
(3) The board may employ and fix the compensation of a secretary, who shall 
maintain custody of the official seal and of records, books, documents, or other 
papers not required to be maintained by the treasurer. The secretary shall 
attend meetings of the board and keep a record of its proceedings, and shall 
perform such other duties delegated by the board.
(4) The board may retain legal counsel to advise the board in the proper 
performance of its duties. The legal counsel shall represent the authority in 
actions brought by or against the authority.
(5) The board may employ other personnel deemed necessary by the board.

History: 1975, Act 197, Imd. Eff. Aug. 13, 1975 
Popular Name: DDA
Popular Name: Downtown Development Authority Act

© 2009 Legislative Council, State of Michigan


125.1656 Participation of employees in municipal retirement and insurance 
programs.
Sec. 6.
The employees of an authority shall be eligible to participate in municipal 
retirement and insurance programs of the municipality as if they were civil 
service employees except that the employees of an authority are not civil 
service employees.

History: 1975, Act 197, Imd. Eff. Aug. 13, 1975 
Popular Name: DDA
Popular Name: Downtown Development Authority Act

© 2009 Legislative Council, State of Michigan


125.1657 Powers of board; creation, operation, or funding of retail business 
incubator.
Sec. 7.
(1) The board may:
(a) Prepare an analysis of economic changes taking place in the downtown 
district.
(b) Study and analyze the impact of metropolitan growth upon the downtown 
district.
(c) Plan and propose the construction, renovation, repair, remodeling, 
rehabilitation, restoration, preservation, or reconstruction of a public 
facility, an existing building, or a multiple-family dwelling unit which may be 
necessary or appropriate to the execution of a plan which, in the opinion of the 
board, aids in the economic growth of the downtown district.
(d) Plan, propose, and implement an improvement to a public facility within the 
development area to comply with the barrier free design requirements of the 
state construction code promulgated under the Stille-DeRossett-Hale single state 
construction code act, 1972 PA 230, MCL 125.1501 to 125.1531.
(e) Develop long-range plans, in cooperation with the agency which is chiefly 
responsible for planning in the municipality, designed to halt the deterioration 
of property values in the downtown district and to promote the economic growth 
of the downtown district, and take such steps as may be necessary to persuade 
property owners to implement the plans to the fullest extent possible.
(f) Implement any plan of development in the downtown district necessary to 
achieve the purposes of this act, in accordance with the powers of the authority 
as granted by this act.
(g) Make and enter into contracts necessary or incidental to the exercise of its 
powers and the performance of its duties.
(h) Acquire by purchase or otherwise, on terms and conditions and in a manner 
the authority considers proper or own, convey, or otherwise dispose of, or lease 
as lessor or lessee, land and other property, real or personal, or rights or 
interests in property, which the authority determines is reasonably necessary to 
achieve the purposes of this act, and to grant or acquire licenses, easements, 
and options with respect to that property.
(i) Improve land and construct, reconstruct, rehabilitate, restore and preserve, 
equip, improve, maintain, repair, and operate any building, including 
multiple-family dwellings, and any necessary or desirable appurtenances to that 
property, within the downtown district for the use, in whole or in part, of any 
public or private person or corporation, or a combination of them.
(j) Fix, charge, and collect fees, rents, and charges for the use of any 
building or property under its control or any part thereof, or facility therein, 
and pledge the fees, rents, and charges for the payment of revenue bonds issued 
by the authority.
(k) Lease any building or property under its control, or any part of a building 
or property.
(l) Accept grants and donations of property, labor, or other things of value 
from a public or private source.
(m) Acquire and construct public facilities.
(n) Create, operate, and fund marketing initiatives that benefit only retail and 
general marketing of the downtown district.
(o) Contract for broadband service and wireless technology service in the 
downtown district.
(p) Operate and perform all duties and exercise all responsibilities described 
in this section in a qualified township if the qualified township has entered 
into an agreement with the municipality under section 3(7).
(q) Create, operate, and fund a loan program to fund improvements for existing 
buildings located in a downtown district to make them marketable for sale or 
lease. The board may make loans with interest at a market rate or may make loans 
with interest at a below market rate, as determined by the board.
(r) Create, operate, and fund retail business incubators in the downtown 
district.
(2) If it is the express determination of the board to create, operate, or fund 
a retail business incubator in the downtown district, the board shall give 
preference to tenants who will provide goods or services that are not available 
or that are underserved in the downtown area. If the board creates, operates, or 
funds retail business incubators in the downtown district, the board and each 
tenant who leases space in a retail business incubator shall enter into a 
written contract that includes, but is not limited to, all of the following:
(a) The lease or rental rate that may be below the fair market rate as 
determined by the board.
(b) The requirement that a tenant may lease space in the retail business 
incubator for a period not to exceed 18 months.
(c) The terms of a joint operating plan with 1 or more other businesses located 
in the downtown district.
(d) A copy of the business plan of the tenant that contains measurable goals and 
objectives.
(e) The requirement that the tenant participate in basic management classes, 
business seminars, or other business education programs offered by the 
authority, the local chamber of commerce, local community colleges, or 
institutions of higher education, as determined by the board.

History: 1975, Act 197, Imd. Eff. Aug. 13, 1975 ;-- Am. 1985, Act 221, Imd. Eff. 
Jan. 10, 1986 ;-- Am. 2004, Act 196, Imd. Eff. July 8, 2004 ;-- Am. 2005, Act 
115, Imd. Eff. Sept. 22, 2005 ;-- Am. 2008, Act 226, Imd. Eff. July 17, 2008 
Popular Name: DDA
Popular Name: Downtown Development Authority Act

© 2009 Legislative Council, State of Michigan


125.1658 Board serving as planning commission; agenda.
Sec. 8.
If a board created under this act serves as the planning commission under 
section 2 of Act No. 285 of the Public Acts of 1931, being section 125.32 of the 
Michigan Compiled Laws, the board shall include planning commission business in 
its agenda.

History: Add. 1987, Act 66, Imd. Eff. June 25, 1987 
Popular Name: DDA
Popular Name: Downtown Development Authority Act

© 2009 Legislative Council, State of Michigan


125.1659 Authority as instrumentality of political subdivision.
Sec. 9.
The authority shall be deemed an instrumentality of a political subdivision for 
purposes of Act No. 227 of the Public Acts of 1972, being sections 213.321 to 
213.332 of the Michigan Compiled Laws.

History: 1975, Act 197, Imd. Eff. Aug. 13, 1975 
Popular Name: DDA
Popular Name: Downtown Development Authority Act

© 2009 Legislative Council, State of Michigan


125.1660 Taking, transfer, and use of private property.
Sec. 10.
A municipality may take private property under Act No. 149 of the Public Acts of 
1911, as amended, being sections 213.21 to 213.41 of the Michigan Compiled Laws, 
for the purpose of transfer to the authority, and may transfer the property to 
the authority for use in an approved development, on terms and conditions it 
deems appropriate, and the taking, transfer, and use shall be considered 
necessary for public purposes and for the benefit of the public.

History: 1975, Act 197, Imd. Eff. Aug. 13, 1975 
Popular Name: DDA
Popular Name: Downtown Development Authority Act

© 2009 Legislative Council, State of Michigan


125.1661 Financing activities of authority; disposition of money received by 
authority; municipal obligations.
Sec. 11.
(1) The activities of the authority shall be financed from 1 or more of the 
following sources:
(a) Donations to the authority for the performance of its functions.
(b) Proceeds of a tax imposed pursuant to section 12.
(c) Money borrowed and to be repaid as authorized by sections 13 and 13a.
(d) Revenues from any property, building, or facility owned, leased, licensed, 
or operated by the authority or under its control, subject to the limitations 
imposed upon the authority by trusts or other agreements.
(e) Proceeds of a tax increment financing plan, established under sections 14 to 
16.
(f) Proceeds from a special assessment district created as provided by law.
(g) Money obtained from other sources approved by the governing body of the 
municipality or otherwise authorized by law for use by the authority or the 
municipality to finance a development program.
(h) Money obtained pursuant to section 13b.
(i) Revenue from the federal facility development act, Act No. 275 of the Public 
Acts of 1992, being sections 3.931 to 3.940 of the Michigan Compiled Laws, or 
revenue transferred pursuant to section 11a of chapter 2 of the city income tax 
act, Act No. 284 of the Public Acts of 1964, being section 141.611a of the 
Michigan Compiled Laws.
(j) Revenue from the federal data facility act, Act No. 126 of the Public Acts 
of 1993, being sections 3.951 to 3.961 of the Michigan Compiled Laws, or revenue 
transferred pursuant to section 11b of chapter 2 of the city income tax act, Act 
No. 284 of the Public Acts of 1964, being section 141.611b of the Michigan 
Compiled Laws.
(2) Money received by the authority and not covered under subsection (1) shall 
immediately be deposited to the credit of the authority, subject to disbursement 
pursuant to this act. Except as provided in this act, the municipality shall not 
obligate itself, nor shall it ever be obligated to pay any sums from public 
funds, other than money received by the municipality pursuant to this section, 
for or on account of the activities of the authority.

History: 1975, Act 197, Imd. Eff. Aug. 13, 1975 ;-- Am. 1981, Act 34, Imd. Eff. 
May 11, 1981 ;-- Am. 1992, Act 279, Imd. Eff. Dec. 18, 1992 ;-- Am. 1993, Act 
122, Imd. Eff. July 20, 1993 ;-- Am. 1993, Act 323, Eff. Mar. 15, 1994 
Popular Name: DDA
Popular Name: Downtown Development Authority Act

© 2009 Legislative Council, State of Michigan


125.1662 Ad valorem tax; borrowing in anticipation of collection.
Sec. 12.
(1) An authority with the approval of the municipal governing body may levy an 
ad valorem tax on the real and tangible personal property not exempt by law and 
as finally equalized in the downtown district. The tax shall not be more than 1 
mill if the downtown district is in a municipality having a population of 
1,000,000 or more, or not more than 2 mills if the downtown district is in a 
municipality having a population of less than 1,000,000. The tax shall be 
collected by the municipality creating the authority levying the tax. The 
municipality shall collect the tax at the same time and in the same manner as it 
collects its other ad valorem taxes. The tax shall be paid to the treasurer of 
the authority and credited to the general fund of the authority for purposes of 
the authority.
(2) The municipality may at the request of the authority borrow money and issue 
its notes under the revised municipal finance act, 2001 PA 34, MCL 141.2101 to 
141.2821, in anticipation of collection of the ad valorem tax authorized in this 
section.

History: 1975, Act 197, Imd. Eff. Aug. 13, 1975 ;-- Am. 1983, Act 86, Imd. Eff. 
June 16, 1983 ;-- Am. 2002, Act 234, Imd. Eff. Apr. 29, 2002 
Popular Name: DDA
Popular Name: Downtown Development Authority Act

© 2009 Legislative Council, State of Michigan


125.1663 Revenue bonds.
Sec. 13.
The authority may borrow money and issue its negotiable revenue bonds therefor 
pursuant to Act No. 94 of the Public Acts of 1933, as amended, being sections 
141.101 to 141.139 of the Michigan Compiled Laws. Revenue bonds issued by the 
authority shall not except as hereinafter provided be deemed a debt of the 
municipality or the state. The municipality by majority vote of the members of 
its governing body may pledge its full faith and credit to support the 
authority's revenue bonds.

History: 1975, Act 197, Imd. Eff. Aug. 13, 1975 
Popular Name: DDA
Popular Name: Downtown Development Authority Act

© 2009 Legislative Council, State of Michigan


125.1663a Borrowing money; issuing revenue bonds or notes; purpose; costs; 
security; pledge and lien of pledge valid and binding; filing or recordation not 
required; tax exemption; bonds or notes neither liability nor debt of 
municipality; statement; investment and deposit of bonds and notes.
Sec. 13a.
(1) The authority may with approval of the local governing body borrow money and 
issue its revenue bonds or notes to finance all or part of the costs of 
acquiring or constructing property in connection with the implementation of a 
development plan in the downtown district or to refund or refund in advance 
bonds or notes issued pursuant to this section. The costs which may be financed 
by the issuance of revenue bonds or notes may include the cost of purchasing, 
acquiring, constructing, improving, enlarging, extending, or repairing property 
in connection with the implementation of a development plan in the downtown 
district; any engineering, architectural, legal, accounting, or financial 
expenses; the costs necessary or incidental to the borrowing of money; interest 
on the bonds or notes during the period of construction; a reserve for payment 
of principal and interest on the bonds or notes; and a reserve for operation and 
maintenance until sufficient revenues have developed. The authority may secure 
the bonds and notes by mortgage, assignment, or pledge of the property and any 
money, revenues, or income received in connection therewith.
(2) A pledge made by the authority shall be valid and binding from the time the 
pledge is made. The money or property pledged by the authority immediately shall 
be subject to the lien of the pledge without a physical delivery, filing, or 
further act. The lien of such a pledge shall be valid and binding as against 
parties having claims of any kind in tort, contract, or otherwise, against the 
authority, irrespective of whether the parties have notice of the lien. Neither 
the resolution, the trust agreement, nor any other instrument by which a pledge 
is created need be filed or recorded.
(3) Bonds or notes issued pursuant to this section shall be exempt from all 
taxation in this state except inheritance and transfer taxes, and the interest 
on the bonds or notes shall be exempt from all taxation in this state, 
notwithstanding that the interest may be subject to federal income tax.
(4) The municipality shall not be liable on bonds or notes of the authority 
issued pursuant to this section and the bonds or notes shall not be a debt of 
the municipality. The bonds or notes shall contain on their face a statement to 
that effect. 
(5) The bonds and notes of the authority may be invested in by all public 
officers, state agencies and political subdivisions, insurance companies, banks, 
savings and loan associations, investment companies, and fiduciaries and 
trustees, and may be deposited with and received by all public officers and the 
agencies and political subdivisions of this state for any purpose for which the 
deposit of bonds is authorized.

History: Add. 1981, Act 151, Imd. Eff. Nov. 19, 1981 
Popular Name: DDA
Popular Name: Downtown Development Authority Act

© 2009 Legislative Council, State of Michigan


125.1663b Insufficient tax increment revenues to repay advance or pay 
obligation; contents, time, and payment of claim; appropriation and distribution 
of aggregate amount; limitations; distribution subject to lien; obligation as 
debt or liability; certification of distribution amount; basis for calculation 
of distributions and claim reports.
Sec. 13b.
(1) If the amount of tax increment revenues lost as a result of the reduction of 
taxes levied by local school districts for school operating purposes required by 
the millage limitations under section 1211 of the school code of 1976, 1976 PA 
451, MCL 380.1211, reduced by the amount of tax increment revenues received from 
the capture of taxes levied under or attributable to the state education tax 
act, 1993 PA 331, MCL 211.901 to 211.906, will cause the tax increment revenues 
received in a fiscal year by an authority under section 15 to be insufficient to 
repay an eligible advance or to pay an eligible obligation, the legislature 
shall appropriate and distribute to the authority the amount described in 
subsection (5).
(2) Not less than 30 days before the first day of a fiscal year, an authority 
eligible to retain tax increment revenues from taxes levied by a local or 
intermediate school district or this state or to receive a distribution under 
this section for that fiscal year shall file a claim with the department of 
treasury. The claim shall include the following information:
(a) The property tax millage rates levied in 1993 by local school districts 
within the jurisdictional area of the authority for school operating purposes.
(b) The property tax millage rates expected to be levied by local school 
districts within the jurisdictional area of the authority for school operating 
purposes for that fiscal year.
(c) The tax increment revenues estimated to be received by the authority for 
that fiscal year based upon actual property tax levies of all taxing 
jurisdictions within the jurisdictional area of the authority.
(d) The tax increment revenues the authority estimates it would have received 
for that fiscal year if property taxes were levied by local school districts 
within the jurisdictional area of the authority for school operating purposes at 
the millage rates described in subdivision (a) and if no property taxes were 
levied by this state under the state education tax act, 1993 PA 331, MCL 211.901 
to 211.906.
(e) A list and documentation of eligible obligations and eligible advances and 
the payments due on each of those eligible obligations or eligible advances in 
that fiscal year, and the total amount of all the payments due on those eligible 
obligations and eligible advances in that fiscal year.
(f) The amount of money, other than tax increment revenues, estimated to be 
received in that fiscal year by the authority that is primarily pledged to, and 
to be used for, the payment of an eligible obligation or the repayment of an 
eligible advance. That amount shall not include excess tax increment revenues of 
the authority that are permitted by law to be retained by the authority for 
purposes that further the development program. However, that amount shall 
include money to be obtained from sources authorized by law, which law is 
enacted on or after December 1, 1993, for use by the municipality or authority 
to finance a development project.
(g) The amount of a distribution received pursuant to this act for a fiscal year 
in excess of or less than the distribution that would have been required if 
calculated upon actual tax increment revenues received for that fiscal year.
(h) A list and documentation of other protected obligations and the payments due 
on each of those other protected obligations in that fiscal year, and the total 
amount of all the payments due on those other protected obligations in that 
fiscal year.
(3) For the fiscal year that commences after September 30, 1993 and before 
October 1, 1994, an authority may make a claim with all information required by 
subsection (2) at any time after March 15, 1994.
(4) After review and verification of claims submitted pursuant to this section, 
amounts appropriated by the state in compliance with this act shall be 
distributed as 2 equal payments on March 1 and September 1 after receipt of a 
claim. An authority shall allocate a distribution it receives for an eligible 
obligation issued on behalf of a municipality to the municipality.
(5) Subject to subsections (6) and (7), the aggregate amount to be appropriated 
and distributed pursuant to this section to an authority shall be the sum of the 
amounts determined pursuant to subdivisions (a) and (b) minus the amount 
determined pursuant to subdivision (c), as follows:
(a) The amount by which the tax increment revenues the authority would have 
received for the fiscal year, excluding taxes exempt under section 7ff of the 
general property tax act, 1893 PA 206, MCL 211.7ff, if property taxes were 
levied by local school districts for school operating purposes at the millage 
rates described in subsection (2)(a) and if no property taxes were levied under 
the state education tax act, 1993 PA 331, MCL 211.901 to 211.906, exceed the tax 
increment revenues the authority actually received for the fiscal year.
(b) A shortfall required to be reported pursuant to subsection (2)(g) that had 
not previously increased a distribution.
(c) An excess amount required to be reported pursuant to subsection (2)(g) that 
had not previously decreased a distribution.
(6) The amount distributed under subsection (5) shall not exceed the difference 
between the amount described in subsection (2)(e) and the sum of the amounts 
described in subsection (2)(c) and (f).
(7) If, based upon the tax increment financing plan in effect on August 19, 
1993, the payment due on eligible obligations or eligible advances anticipates 
the use of excess prior year tax increment revenues permitted by law to be 
retained by the authority, and if the sum of the amounts described in subsection 
(2)(c) and (f) plus the amount to be distributed under subsections (5) and (6) 
is less than the amount described in subsection (2)(e), the amount to be 
distributed under subsections (5) and (6) shall be increased by the amount of 
the shortfall. However, the amount authorized to be distributed pursuant to this 
section shall not exceed that portion of the cumulative difference, for each 
preceding fiscal year, between the amount that could have been distributed 
pursuant to subsection (5) and the amount actually distributed pursuant to 
subsections (5) and (6) and this subsection.
(8) A distribution under this section replacing tax increment revenues pledged 
by an authority or a municipality is subject to the lien of the pledge, whether 
or not there has been physical delivery of the distribution.
(9) Obligations for which distributions are made pursuant to this section are 
not a debt or liability of this state; do not create or constitute an 
indebtedness, liability, or obligation of this state; and are not and do not 
constitute a pledge of the faith and credit of this state.
(10) Not later than July 1 of each year, the authority shall certify to the 
local tax collecting treasurer the amount of the distribution required under 
subsection (5), calculated without regard to the receipt of tax increment 
revenues attributable to local or intermediate school district taxes or 
attributable to taxes levied under the state education tax act, 1993 PA 331, MCL 
211.901 to 211.906.
(11) Calculations of distributions under this section and claims reports 
required to be made under subsection (2) shall be made on the basis of each 
development area of the authority.
(12) The state tax commission may provide that the reimbursement calculations 
under this section and the calculation of allowable capture of school taxes 
shall be made for each calendar year's tax increment revenues using a 12-month 
debt payment period used by the authority and approved by the state tax 
commission. 

History: Add. 1993, Act 323, Eff. Mar. 15, 1994 ;-- Am. 1994, Act 280, Imd. Eff. 
July 11, 1994 ;-- Am. 1996, Act 269, Imd. Eff. June 12, 1996 ;-- Am. 1996, Act 
454, Imd. Eff. Dec. 19, 1996 ;-- Am. 1997, Act 202, Imd. Eff. Jan. 13, 1998 
Compiler's Notes: Enacting section 1 of Act 202 of 1997 provides:“The provisions 
of section 1 and section 13b, as amended by this amendatory act, are retroactive 
and effective for taxes levied after 1993.”
Popular Name: DDA
Popular Name: Downtown Development Authority Act

© 2009 Legislative Council, State of Michigan


125.1663c Retention and payment of taxes levied under state education tax act; 
conditions; application by authority for approval; information to be included; 
approval, modification, or denial of application by department of treasury; 
appropriation and distribution of amount; calculation of aggregate amount; lien; 
reimbursement calculations; legislative intent.
Sec. 13c.
(1) If the amount of tax increment revenues lost as a result of the personal 
property tax exemptions provided by section 1211(4) of the revised school code, 
1976 PA 451, MCL 380.1211, section 3 of the state education tax act, 1993 PA 
331, MCL 211.903, section 14(4) of 1974 PA 198, MCL 207.564, and section 9k of 
the general property tax act, 1893 PA 206, MCL 211.9k, will reduce the allowable 
school tax capture received in a fiscal year, then, notwithstanding any other 
provision of this act, the authority, with approval of the department of 
treasury under subsection (3), may request the local tax collecting treasurer to 
retain and pay to the authority taxes levied under the state education tax act, 
1993 PA 331, MCL 211.901 to 211.906, to be used for the following:
(a) To repay an eligible advance.
(b) To repay an eligible obligation.
(c) To repay an other protected obligation.
(2) Not later than June 15, 2008, not later than September 30, 2009, and not 
later than June 1 of each subsequent year, except for 2011, not later than June 
15, an authority eligible under subsection (1) to have taxes levied under the 
state education tax act, 1993 PA 331, MCL 211.901 to 211.906, retained and paid 
to the authority under this section, shall apply for approval with the 
department of treasury. The application for approval shall include the following 
information:
(a) The property tax millage rates expected to be levied by local school 
districts within the jurisdictional area of the authority for school operating 
purposes for that fiscal year.
(b) The tax increment revenues estimated to be received by the authority for 
that fiscal year based upon actual property tax levies of all taxing 
jurisdictions within the jurisdictional area of the authority.
(c) The tax increment revenues the authority estimates it would have received 
for that fiscal year if the personal property tax exemptions described in 
subsection (1) were not in effect.
(d) A list of eligible obligations, eligible advances, and other protected 
obligations, the payments due on each of those in that fiscal year, and the 
total amount of all the payments due on all of those in that fiscal year.
(e) The amount of money, other than tax increment revenues, estimated to be 
received in that fiscal year by the authority that is primarily pledged to, and 
to be used for, the payment of an eligible obligation, the repayment of an 
eligible advance, or the payment of an other protected obligation. That amount 
shall not include excess tax increment revenues of the authority that are 
permitted by law to be retained by the authority for purposes that further the 
development program. However, that amount shall include money to be obtained 
from sources authorized by law, which law is enacted on or after December 1, 
1993, for use by the municipality or authority to finance a development plan.
(f) The amount of a distribution received pursuant to this act for a fiscal year 
in excess of or less than the distribution that would have been required if 
calculated upon actual tax increment revenues received for that fiscal year.
(3) Not later than August 15, 2008; for 2009, not later than February 3, 2010; 
for 2011 only, not later than 30 days after the effective date of the amendatory 
act that amended this sentence; and not later than August 15 for 2010, 2012, and 
each subsequent year, based on the calculations under subsection (5), the 
department of treasury shall approve, modify, or deny the application for 
approval to have taxes levied under the state education tax act, 1993 PA 331, 
MCL 211.901 to 211.906, retained and paid to the authority under this section. 
If the application for approval contains the information required under 
subsection (2)(a) through (f) and appears to be in substantial compliance with 
the provisions of this section, then the department of treasury shall approve 
the application. If the application is denied by the department of treasury, 
then the department of treasury shall provide the opportunity for a 
representative of the authority to discuss the denial within 21 days after the 
denial occurs and shall sustain or modify its decision within 30 days after 
receiving information from the authority. If the application for approval is 
approved or modified by the department of treasury, the local tax collecting 
treasurer shall retain and pay to the authority the amount described in 
subsection (5) as approved by the department. If the department of treasury 
denies the authority's application for approval, the local tax collecting 
treasurer shall not retain or pay to the authority the taxes levied under the 
state education tax act, 1993 PA 331, MCL 211.901 to 211.906. An approval by the 
department does not prohibit a subsequent audit of taxes retained in accordance 
with the procedures currently authorized by law.
(4) Each year the legislature shall appropriate and distribute an amount 
sufficient to pay each authority the following:
(a) If the amount to be retained and paid under subsection (3) is less than the 
amount calculated under subsection (5), the difference between those amounts.
(b) If the application for approval is denied by the department of treasury, an 
amount verified by the department equal to the amount calculated under 
subsection (5).
(5) Subject to subsection (6), the aggregate amount under this section shall be 
the sum of the amounts determined under subdivisions (a) and (b) minus the 
amount determined under subdivision (c), as follows:
(a) The amount by which the tax increment revenues the authority would have 
received and retained for the fiscal year, excluding taxes exempt under section 
7ff of the general property tax act, 1893 PA 206, MCL 211.7ff, if the personal 
property tax exemptions described in subsection (1) were not in effect, exceed 
the tax increment revenues the authority actually received for the fiscal year.
(b) A shortfall required to be reported under subsection (2)(f) that had not 
previously increased a distribution.
(c) An excess amount required to be reported under subsection (2)(f) that had 
not previously decreased a distribution.
(6) A distribution or taxes retained under this section replacing tax increment 
revenues pledged by an authority or a municipality are subject to any lien of 
the pledge described in subsection (1), whether or not there has been physical 
delivery of the distribution.
(7) Obligations for which distributions are made under this section are not a 
debt or liability of this state; do not create or constitute an indebtedness, 
liability, or obligation of this state; and are not and do not constitute a 
pledge of the faith and credit of this state.
(8) Not later than September 15 of each year, the authority shall provide a copy 
of the application for approval approved by the department of treasury to the 
local tax collecting treasurer and provide the amount of the taxes retained and 
paid to the authority under subsection (5).
(9) Calculations of amounts retained and paid and appropriations to be 
distributed under this section shall be made on the basis of each development 
area of the authority.
(10) The state tax commission may provide that the reimbursement calculations 
under this section and the calculation of allowable capture of school taxes 
shall be made for each calendar year's tax increment revenues using a 12-month 
debt payment period used by the authority and approved by the state tax 
commission. 
(11) It is the intent of the legislature that, to the extent that the total 
amount of taxes levied under the state education tax act, 1993 PA 331, MCL 
211.901 to 211.906, that are allowed to be retained under this section and 
section 11b of the local development financing act, 1986 PA 281, MCL 125.2161b, 
section 15a of the brownfield redevelopment financing act, 1996 PA 381, MCL 
125.2665a, and section 12b of the tax increment financing act, 1980 PA 450, MCL 
125.1812b, exceeds the difference of the total school aid fund revenue for the 
tax year minus the estimated amount of revenue the school aid fund would have 
received for the tax year had the tax exemptions described in subsection (1) and 
the earmark created by section 515 of the Michigan business tax act, 2007 PA 36, 
MCL 208.1515, not taken effect, the general fund shall reimburse the school aid 
fund the difference.

History: Add. 2008, Act 157, Imd. Eff. June 5, 2008 ;-- Am. 2009, Act 213, Imd. 
Eff. Jan. 4, 2010 ;-- Am. 2012, Act 510, Imd. Eff. Dec. 28, 2012 
Popular Name: DDA
Popular Name: Downtown Development Authority Act

© 2009 Legislative Council, State of Michigan


125.1664 Tax increment financing plan; preparation and contents; limitation; 
public hearing; fiscal and economic implications; recommendations; agreements; 
modification of plan; catalyst development project.
Sec. 14.
(1) When the authority determines that it is necessary for the achievement of 
the purposes of this act, the authority shall prepare and submit a tax increment 
financing plan to the governing body of the municipality. The plan shall include 
a development plan as provided in section 17, a detailed explanation of the tax 
increment procedure, the maximum amount of bonded indebtedness to be incurred, 
and the duration of the program, and shall be in compliance with section 15. The 
plan shall contain a statement of the estimated impact of tax increment 
financing on the assessed values of all taxing jurisdictions in which the 
development area is located. The plan may provide for the use of part or all of 
the captured assessed value, but the portion intended to be used by the 
authority shall be clearly stated in the tax increment financing plan. The 
authority or municipality may exclude from captured assessed value growth in 
property value resulting solely from inflation. The plan shall set forth the 
method for excluding growth in property value resulting solely from inflation. 
(2) The percentage of taxes levied for school operating purposes that is 
captured and used by the tax increment financing plan shall not be greater than 
the plan's percentage capture and use of taxes levied by a municipality or 
county for operating purposes. For purposes of the previous sentence, taxes 
levied by a county for operating purposes include only millage allocated for 
county or charter county purposes under the property tax limitation act, 1933 PA 
62, MCL 211.201 to 211.217a. For purposes of this subsection, tax increment 
revenues used to pay bonds issued by a municipality under section 16(1) shall be 
considered to be used by the tax increment financing plan rather than shared 
with the municipality. The limitation of this subsection does not apply to the 
portion of the captured assessed value shared pursuant to an agreement entered 
into before 1989 with a county or with a city in which an enterprise zone is 
approved under section 13 of the enterprise zone act, 1985 PA 224, MCL 125.2113.
(3) Approval of the tax increment financing plan shall be pursuant to the 
notice, hearing, and disclosure provisions of section 18. If the development 
plan is part of the tax increment financing plan, only 1 hearing and approval 
procedure is required for the 2 plans together.
(4) Before the public hearing on the tax increment financing plan, the governing 
body shall provide a reasonable opportunity to the taxing jurisdictions levying 
taxes subject to capture to meet with the governing body. The authority shall 
fully inform the taxing jurisdictions of the fiscal and economic implications of 
the proposed development area. The taxing jurisdictions may present their 
recommendations at the public hearing on the tax increment financing plan. The 
authority may enter into agreements with the taxing jurisdictions and the 
governing body of the municipality in which the development area is located to 
share a portion of the captured assessed value of the district.
(5) A tax increment financing plan may be modified if the modification is 
approved by the governing body upon notice and after public hearings and 
agreements as are required for approval of the original plan.
(6) Under a tax increment financing plan that includes a catalyst development 
project, an authority may pledge available tax increment revenues of the 
authority as security for any bonds issued to develop and construct a catalyst 
development project.

History: 1975, Act 197, Imd. Eff. Aug. 13, 1975 ;-- Am. 1979, Act 26, Imd. Eff. 
June 6, 1979 ;-- Am. 1981, Act 34, Imd. Eff. May 11, 1981 ;-- Am. 1986, Act 229, 
Imd. Eff. Oct. 1, 1986 ;-- Am. 1988, Act 425, Imd. Eff. Dec. 27, 1988 ;-- Am. 
1989, Act 108, Imd. Eff. June 23, 1989 ;-- Am. 1993, Act 323, Eff. Mar. 15, 1994 
;-- Am. 2012, Act 396, Imd. Eff. Dec. 19, 2012 
Compiler's Notes: Section 2 of Act 425 of 1988 provides: “This amendatory act is 
effective beginning with taxes levied in 1989. However, for taxes levied before 
1989, tax increment revenues based on the definition of initial assessed value 
provided for in this amendatory act that were received by an authority are 
validated.”
Popular Name: DDA
Popular Name: Downtown Development Authority Act

© 2009 Legislative Council, State of Michigan


125.1665 Transmitting and expending tax increments revenues; reversion of 
surplus funds; abolition of tax increment financing plan; conditions; annual 
report on status of tax increment financing account; contents; publication.
Sec. 15.
(1) The municipal and county treasurers shall transmit to the authority tax 
increment revenues.
(2) The authority shall expend the tax increment revenues received for the 
development program only pursuant to the tax increment financing plan. Surplus 
funds shall revert proportionately to the respective taxing bodies. These 
revenues shall not be used to circumvent existing property tax limitations. The 
governing body of the municipality may abolish the tax increment financing plan 
when it finds that the purposes for which it was established are accomplished. 
However, the tax increment financing plan shall not be abolished until the 
principal of, and interest on, bonds issued pursuant to section 16 have been 
paid or funds sufficient to make the payment have been segregated. 
(3) Annually the authority shall submit to the governing body of the 
municipality and the state tax commission a report on the status of the tax 
increment financing account. The report shall be published in a newspaper of 
general circulation in the municipality and shall include the following:
(a) The amount and source of revenue in the account.
(b) The amount in any bond reserve account.
(c) The amount and purpose of expenditures from the account.
(d) The amount of principal and interest on any outstanding bonded indebtedness.
(e) The initial assessed value of the project area.
(f) The captured assessed value retained by the authority.
(g) The tax increment revenues received.
(h) The number of jobs created as a result of the implementation of the tax 
increment financing plan.
(i) Any additional information the governing body or the state tax commission 
considers necessary. 

History: 1975, Act 197, Imd. Eff. Aug. 13, 1975 ;-- Am. 1979, Act 26, Imd. Eff. 
June 6, 1979 ;-- Am. 1981, Act 34, Imd. Eff. May 11, 1981 ;-- Am. 1986, Act 229, 
Imd. Eff. Oct. 1, 1986 ;-- Am. 1988, Act 425, Imd. Eff. Dec. 27, 1988 ;-- Am. 
1992, Act 279, Imd. Eff. Dec. 18, 1992 ;-- Am. 1993, Act 323, Eff. Mar. 15, 1994 

Compiler's Notes: Section 2 of Act 425 of 1988 provides: “This amendatory act is 
effective beginning with taxes levied in 1989. However, for taxes levied before 
1989, tax increment revenues based on the definition of initial assessed value 
provided for in this amendatory act that were received by an authority are 
validated.”
Popular Name: DDA
Popular Name: Downtown Development Authority Act

© 2009 Legislative Council, State of Michigan


125.1666 General obligation bonds and tax increment bonds; qualified refunding 
obligation.
Sec. 16.
(1) The municipality may by resolution of its governing body authorize, issue, 
and sell general obligation bonds subject to the limitations set forth in this 
subsection to finance the development program of the tax increment financing 
plan and shall pledge its full faith and credit for the payment of the bonds. 
The municipality may pledge as additional security for the bonds any money 
received by the authority or the municipality pursuant to section 11. The bonds 
are subject to the revised municipal finance act, 2001 PA 34, MCL 141.2101 to 
141.2821. Before the municipality may authorize the borrowing, the authority 
shall submit an estimate of the anticipated tax increment revenues and other 
revenue available under section 11 to be available for payment of principal and 
interest on the bonds, to the governing body of the municipality. This estimate 
shall be approved by the governing body of the municipality by resolution 
adopted by majority vote of the members of the governing body in the resolution 
authorizing the bonds. If the governing body of the municipality adopts the 
resolution authorizing the bonds, the estimate of the anticipated tax increment 
revenues and other revenue available under section 11 to be available for 
payment of principal and interest on the bonds shall be conclusive for purposes 
of this section. The bonds issued under this subsection shall be considered a 
single series for the purposes of the revised municipal finance act, 2001 PA 34, 
MCL 141.2101 to 141.2801.
(2) By resolution of its governing body, the authority may authorize, issue, and 
sell tax increment bonds subject to the limitations set forth in this subsection 
to finance the development program of the tax increment financing plan. The tax 
increment bonds issued by the authority under this subsection shall pledge 
solely the tax increment revenues of a development area in which the project is 
located or a development area from which tax increment revenues may be used for 
this project, or both. In addition or in the alternative, the bonds issued by 
the authority pursuant to this subsection may be secured by any other revenues 
identified in section 11 as sources of financing for activities of the authority 
that the authority shall specifically pledge in the resolution. However, the 
full faith and credit of the municipality shall not be pledged to secure bonds 
issued pursuant to this subsection. The bond issue may include a sum sufficient 
to pay interest on the tax increment bonds until full development of tax 
increment revenues from the project and also a sum to provide a reasonable 
reserve for payment of principal and interest on the bonds. The resolution 
authorizing the bonds shall create a lien on the tax increment revenues and 
other revenues pledged by the resolution that shall be a statutory lien and 
shall be a first lien subject only to liens previously created. The resolution 
may provide the terms upon which additional bonds may be issued of equal 
standing and parity of lien as to the tax increment revenues and other revenues 
pledged under the resolution. Bonds issued under this subsection that pledge 
revenue received under section 11 for repayment of the bonds are subject to the 
revised municipal finance act, 2001 PA 34, MCL 141.2101 to 141.2821.
(3) Notwithstanding any other provision of this act, if the state treasurer 
determines that an authority or municipality can issue a qualified refunding 
obligation and the authority or municipality does not make a good faith effort 
to issue the qualified refunding obligation as determined by the state 
treasurer, the state treasurer may reduce the amount claimed by the authority or 
municipality under section 13b by an amount equal to the net present value 
saving that would have been realized had the authority or municipality refunded 
the obligation or the state treasurer may require a reduction in the capture of 
tax increment revenues from taxes levied by a local or intermediate school 
district or this state by an amount equal to the net present value savings that 
would have been realized had the authority or municipality refunded the 
obligation. This subsection does not authorize the state treasurer to require 
the authority or municipality to pledge security greater than the security 
pledged for the obligation being refunded.

History: 1975, Act 197, Imd. Eff. Aug. 13, 1975 ;-- Am. 1981, Act 34, Imd. Eff. 
May 11, 1981 ;-- Am. 1983, Act 34, Imd. Eff. May 10, 1983 ;-- Am. 1985, Act 159, 
Imd. Eff. Nov. 15, 1985 ;-- Am. 1992, Act 279, Imd. Eff. Dec. 18, 1992 ;-- Am. 
1993, Act 122, Imd. Eff. July 20, 1993 ;-- Am. 1993, Act 323, Eff. Mar. 15, 1994 
;-- Am. 1996, Act 269, Imd. Eff. June 12, 1996 ;-- Am. 2002, Act 234, Imd. Eff. 
Apr. 29, 2002 
Popular Name: DDA
Popular Name: Downtown Development Authority Act

© 2009 Legislative Council, State of Michigan


125.1667 Development plan; preparation; contents; improvements related to 
qualified facility.
Sec. 17.
(1) When a board decides to finance a project in the downtown district by the 
use of revenue bonds as authorized in section 13 or tax increment financing as 
authorized in sections 14, 15, and 16, it shall prepare a development plan. 
(2) The development plan shall contain all of the following:
(a) The designation of boundaries of the development area in relation to 
highways, streets, streams, or otherwise. 
(b) The location and extent of existing streets and other public facilities 
within the development area, shall designate the location, character, and extent 
of the categories of public and private land uses then existing and proposed for 
the development area, including residential, recreational, commercial, 
industrial, educational, and other uses, and shall include a legal description 
of the development area. 
(c) A description of existing improvements in the development area to be 
demolished, repaired, or altered, a description of any repairs and alterations, 
and an estimate of the time required for completion.
(d) The location, extent, character, and estimated cost of the improvements 
including rehabilitation contemplated for the development area and an estimate 
of the time required for completion.
(e) A statement of the construction or stages of construction planned, and the 
estimated time of completion of each stage.
(f) A description of any parts of the development area to be left as open space 
and the use contemplated for the space.
(g) A description of any portions of the development area that the authority 
desires to sell, donate, exchange, or lease to or from the municipality and the 
proposed terms. 
(h) A description of desired zoning changes and changes in streets, street 
levels, intersections, or utilities.
(i) An estimate of the cost of the development, a statement of the proposed 
method of financing the development, and the ability of the authority to arrange 
the financing. 
(j) Designation of the person or persons, natural or corporate, to whom all or a 
portion of the development is to be leased, sold, or conveyed in any manner and 
for whose benefit the project is being undertaken if that information is 
available to the authority.
(k) The procedures for bidding for the leasing, purchasing, or conveying in any 
manner of all or a portion of the development upon its completion, if there is 
no express or implied agreement between the authority and persons, natural or 
corporate, that all or a portion of the development will be leased, sold, or 
conveyed in any manner to those persons.
(l) Estimates of the number of persons residing in the development area and the 
number of families and individuals to be displaced. If occupied residences are 
designated for acquisition and clearance by the authority, a development plan 
shall include a survey of the families and individuals to be displaced, 
including their income and racial composition, a statistical description of the 
housing supply in the community, including the number of private and public 
units in existence or under construction, the condition of those units in 
existence, the number of owner-occupied and renter-occupied units, the annual 
rate of turnover of the various types of housing and the range of rents and sale 
prices, an estimate of the total demand for housing in the community, and the 
estimated capacity of private and public housing available to displaced families 
and individuals.
(m) A plan for establishing priority for the relocation of persons displaced by 
the development in any new housing in the development area.
(n) Provision for the costs of relocating persons displaced by the development 
and financial assistance and reimbursement of expenses, including litigation 
expenses and expenses incident to the transfer of title, in accordance with the 
standards and provisions of the federal uniform relocation assistance and real 
property acquisition policies act of 1970, being Public Law 91-646, 42 U.S.C. 
sections 4601, et seq.
(o) A plan for compliance with Act No. 227 of the Public Acts of 1972, being 
sections 213.321 to 213.332 of the Michigan Compiled Laws.
(p) Other material that the authority, local public agency, or governing body 
considers pertinent. 
(3) A development plan may provide for improvements related to a qualified 
facility, as defined in the federal facility development act, Act No. 275 of the 
Public Acts of 1992, being sections 3.931 to 3.940 of the Michigan Compiled 
Laws, that is located outside of the boundaries of the development area but 
within the district, including the cost of construction, renovation, 
rehabilitation, or acquisition of that qualified facility or of public 
facilities and improvements related to that qualified facility.

History: 1975, Act 197, Imd. Eff. Aug. 13, 1975 ;-- Am. 1992, Act 279, Imd. Eff. 
Dec. 18, 1992 ;-- Am. 1993, Act 122, Imd. Eff. July 20, 1993 
Popular Name: DDA
Popular Name: Downtown Development Authority Act

© 2009 Legislative Council, State of Michigan


125.1668 Ordinance approving development plan or tax increment financing plan; 
public hearing; notice; record.
Sec. 18.
(1) The governing body, before adoption of an ordinance approving or amending a 
development plan or approving or amending a tax increment financing plan, shall 
hold a public hearing on the development plan. Notice of the time and place of 
the hearing shall be given by publication twice in a newspaper of general 
circulation designated by the municipality, the first of which shall be not less 
than 20 days before the date set for the hearing. Notice of the hearing shall be 
posted in at least 20 conspicuous and public places in the downtown district not 
less than 20 days before the hearing. Notice shall also be mailed to all 
property taxpayers of record in the downtown district not less than 20 days 
before the hearing. Beginning June 1, 2005, the notice of hearing within the 
time frame described in this subsection shall be mailed by certified mail to the 
governing body of each taxing jurisdiction levying taxes that would be subject 
to capture if the development plan or the tax increment financing plan is 
approved or amended.
(2) Notice of the time and place of hearing on a development plan shall contain: 
a description of the proposed development area in relation to highways, streets, 
streams, or otherwise; a statement that maps, plats, and a description of the 
development plan, including the method of relocating families and individuals 
who may be displaced from the area, are available for public inspection at a 
place designated in the notice, and that all aspects of the development plan 
will be open for discussion at the public hearing; and other information that 
the governing body considers appropriate. At the time set for hearing, the 
governing body shall provide an opportunity for interested persons to be heard 
and shall receive and consider communications in writing with reference to the 
development plan. The hearing shall provide the fullest opportunity for 
expression of opinion, for argument on the merits, and for introduction of 
documentary evidence pertinent to the development plan. The governing body shall 
make and preserve a record of the public hearing, including all data presented 
thereat.

History: 1975, Act 197, Imd. Eff. Aug. 13, 1975 ;-- Am. 2005, Act 13, Imd. Eff. 
May 4, 2005 
Popular Name: DDA
Popular Name: Downtown Development Authority Act

© 2009 Legislative Council, State of Michigan


125.1669 Development plan or tax increment financing plan as constituting public 
purpose; determination; ordinance; considerations; amendments; incorporation of 
catalyst development project plan.
Sec. 19.
(1) The governing body after a public hearing on the development plan or the tax 
increment financing plan, or both, with notice of the hearing given in 
accordance with section 18, shall determine whether the development plan or tax 
increment financing plan constitutes a public purpose. If it determines that the 
development plan or tax increment financing plan constitutes a public purpose, 
it shall then approve or reject the plan, or approve it with modification, by 
ordinance based on the following considerations:
(a) The findings and recommendations of a development area citizens council, if 
a development area citizens council was formed.
(b) The plan meets the requirements set forth in section 17 (2).
(c) The proposed method of financing the development is feasible and the 
authority has the ability to arrange the financing.
(d) The development is reasonable and necessary to carry out the purposes of 
this act.
(e) The land included within the development area to be acquired is reasonably 
necessary to carry out the purposes of the plan and of this act in an efficient 
and economically satisfactory manner.
(f) The development plan is in reasonable accord with the master plan of the 
municipality.
(g) Public services, such as fire and police protection and utilities, are or 
will be adequate to service the project area.
(h) Changes in zoning, streets, street levels, intersections, and utilities are 
reasonably necessary for the project and for the municipality.
(2) Amendments to an approved development plan or tax increment plan must be 
submitted by the authority to the governing body for approval or rejection. 
(3) Proposed amendments made to an approved development plan to incorporate a 
catalyst development project plan shall be submitted by the authority to the 
Michigan strategic fund for approval or rejection of that part of the plan 
relating to the catalyst development project. Amendments not approved or 
rejected under this subsection by the Michigan strategic fund within 45 days of 
submission for approval shall be considered approved.

History: 1975, Act 197, Imd. Eff. Aug. 13, 1975 ;-- Am. 2012, Act 396, Imd. Eff. 
Dec. 19, 2012 
Popular Name: DDA
Popular Name: Downtown Development Authority Act

© 2009 Legislative Council, State of Michigan


125.1670 Notice to vacate.
Sec. 20.
A person to be relocated under this act shall be given not less than 90 days' 
written notice to vacate unless modified by court order for good cause.

History: 1975, Act 197, Imd. Eff. Aug. 13, 1975 
Popular Name: DDA
Popular Name: Downtown Development Authority Act

© 2009 Legislative Council, State of Michigan


125.1671 Development area citizens council; establishment; appointment and 
qualifications of members; representative of development area.
Sec. 21.
(1) If a proposed development area has residing within it 100 or more residents, 
a development area citizens council shall be established at least 90 days before 
the public hearing on the development or tax increment financing plan. The 
development area citizens council shall be established by the governing body and 
shall consist of not less than 9 members. The members of the development area 
citizens council shall be residents of the development area and shall be 
appointed by the governing body. A member of a development area citizens council 
shall be at least 18 years of age.
(2) A development area citizens council shall be representative of the 
development area.

History: 1975, Act 197, Imd. Eff. Aug. 13, 1975 
Popular Name: DDA
Popular Name: Downtown Development Authority Act

© 2009 Legislative Council, State of Michigan


125.1672 Development area citizens council; advisory body.
Sec. 22.
A development area citizens council established pursuant to this act shall act 
an advisory body to the authority and the governing body in the adoption of the 
development or tax increment financing plans.

History: 1975, Act 197, Imd. Eff. Aug. 13, 1975 
Popular Name: DDA
Popular Name: Downtown Development Authority Act

© 2009 Legislative Council, State of Michigan


125.1673 Consultation.
Sec. 23.
Periodically a representative of the authority responsible for preparation of a 
development or tax increment financing plan within the development area shall 
consult with and advise the development area citizens council regarding the 
aspects of a development plan, including the development of new housing for 
relocation purposes located either inside or outside of the development area. 
The consultation shall begin before any final decisions by the authority and the 
governing body regarding a development or tax increment financing plan. The 
consultation shall continue throughout the preparation and implementation of the 
development or tax increment financing plan.

History: 1975, Act 197, Imd. Eff. Aug. 13, 1975 
Popular Name: DDA
Popular Name: Downtown Development Authority Act

© 2009 Legislative Council, State of Michigan


125.1674 Development area citizens council; meetings; notice; record; 
information and technical assistance; failure to organize, consult, or advise.
Sec. 24.
(1) Meetings of the development area citizens council shall be open to the 
public. Notice of the time and place of the meetings shall be given by 
publication in a newspaper of general circulation not less than 5 days before 
the dates set for meetings of the development area citizens council. A person 
present at those meetings shall have reasonable opportunity to be heard.
(2) A record of the meetings of a development area citizens council, including 
information and data presented, shall be maintained by the council.
(3) A development area citizens council may request of and receive from the 
authority information and technical assistance relevant to the preparation of 
the development plan for the development area.
(4) Failure of a development area citizens council to organize or to consult 
with and be advised by the authority, or failure to advise the governing body, 
as provided in this act, shall not preclude the adoption of a development plan 
by a municipality if the municipality complies with the other provisions of this 
act.

History: 1975, Act 197, Imd. Eff. Aug. 13, 1975 
Popular Name: DDA
Popular Name: Downtown Development Authority Act

© 2009 Legislative Council, State of Michigan


125.1675 Citizens district council as development area citizens council.
Sec. 25.
In a development area where a citizens district council established according to 
Act No. 344 of the Public Acts of 1945, as amended, being sections 125.71 to 
125.84 of the Michigan Compiled Laws, already exists the governing body may 
designate it as the development area citizens council authorized by this act.

History: 1975, Act 197, Imd. Eff. Aug. 13, 1975 
Popular Name: DDA
Popular Name: Downtown Development Authority Act

© 2009 Legislative Council, State of Michigan


125.1676 Notice of findings and recommendations.
Sec. 26.
Within 20 days after the public hearing on a development or tax increment 
financing plan, the development area citizens council shall notify the governing 
body, in writing, of its findings and recommendations concerning a proposed 
development plan.

History: 1975, Act 197, Imd. Eff. Aug. 13, 1975 
Popular Name: DDA
Popular Name: Downtown Development Authority Act

© 2009 Legislative Council, State of Michigan


125.1677 Development area citizens council; dissolution.
Sec. 27.
A development area citizens council may not be required and, if formed, may be 
dissolved in any of the following situations:
(a) On petition of not less than 20% of the adult resident population of the 
development area by the last federal decennial or municipal census, a governing 
body, after public hearing with notice thereof given in accordance with section 
18 and by a 2/3 vote, may adopt an ordinance for the development area to 
eliminate the necessity of a development area citizens council.
(b) When there are less than 18 residents, real property owners, or 
representatives of establishments located in the development area eligible to 
serve on the development area citizens council.
(c) Upon termination of the authority by ordinance of the governing body.

History: 1975, Act 197, Imd. Eff. Aug. 13, 1975 
Popular Name: DDA
Popular Name: Downtown Development Authority Act

© 2009 Legislative Council, State of Michigan


125.1678 Budget; cost of handling and auditing funds.
Sec. 28.
(1) The director of the authority shall prepare and submit for the approval of 
the board a budget for the operation of the authority for the ensuing fiscal 
year. The budget shall be prepared in the manner and contain the information 
required of municipal departments. Before the budget may be adopted by the 
board, it shall be approved by the governing body of the municipality. Funds of 
the municipality shall not be included in the budget of the authority except 
those funds authorized in this act or by the governing body of the municipality.
(2) The governing body of the municipality may assess a reasonable pro rata 
share of the funds for the cost of handling and auditing the funds against the 
funds of the authority, other than those committed, which cost shall be paid 
annually by the board pursuant to an appropriate item in its budget.

History: 1975, Act 197, Imd. Eff. Aug. 13, 1975 
Popular Name: DDA
Popular Name: Downtown Development Authority Act

© 2009 Legislative Council, State of Michigan


125.1678a Exemption.
Sec. 28a.
Beginning January 1, 2010, the authority shall be exempt from all taxation on 
its earnings or property. Instruments of conveyance from an authority are exempt 
from transfer taxes under 1966 PA 134, MCL 207.501 to 207.513, and the state 
real estate transfer tax act, 1993 PA 330, MCL 207.521 to 207.537.

History: Add. 2012, Act 396, Imd. Eff. Dec. 19, 2012 

© 2009 Legislative Council, State of Michigan


125.1679 Historic sites.
Sec. 29.
(1) A public facility, building, or structure that is determined by the 
municipality to have significant historical interests shall be preserved in a 
manner as considered necessary by the municipality in accordance with laws 
relative to the preservation of historical sites. The preservation of 
facilities, buildings, or structures determined to be historic sites by a 
municipality shall include, at a minimum, equipping the historic site with a 
fire alarm system.
(2) An authority shall refer all proposed changes to the exterior of sites 
listed on the state register of historic sites and the national register of 
historic places to the applicable historic district commission created under the 
local historic districts act, 1970 PA 169, MCL 399.201 to 399.215, or the 
department of history, arts, and libraries for review.

History: 1975, Act 197, Imd. Eff. Aug. 13, 1975 ;-- Am. 2001, Act 68, Imd. Eff. 
July 24, 2001 ;-- Am. 2004, Act 66, Imd. Eff. Apr. 20, 2004 
Compiler's Notes: For transfer of powers and duties of department of history, 
arts, and libraries or the Michigan historical center relating to the 
identification, certification, and preservation of historical sites to the 
Michigan state housing development authority, see E.R.O. No. 2009-26, compiled 
at MCL 399.752.
Popular Name: DDA
Popular Name: Downtown Development Authority Act

© 2009 Legislative Council, State of Michigan


125.1680 Dissolution of authority; disposition of property and assets; 
reinstatement of authority; contesting validity of proceedings, findings, and 
determinations.
Sec. 30.
(1) An authority that has completed the purposes for which it was organized 
shall be dissolved by ordinance of the governing body. The property and assets 
of the authority remaining after the satisfaction of the obligations of the 
authority belong to the municipality.
(2) An authority established under this act before December 31, 1988, that is 
dissolved by ordinance of the governing body before September 30, 1990 and that 
is reinstated by ordinance of the governing body after notice and public hearing 
as provided in section 3(2) shall not be invalidated pursuant to a claim that, 
based upon the standards set forth in section 3(1), a governing body improperly 
determined that the necessary conditions existed for the reinstatement of an 
authority under the act if at the time the governing body established the 
authority the governing body determined or could have determined that the 
necessary conditions existed for the establishment of an authority under this 
act or could have determined that establishment of an authority under this act 
would serve to promote economic growth and notwithstanding that the boundaries 
of the downtown district are altered at the time of reinstatement of the 
authority.
(3) In the resolution of intent, the municipality shall set a date for the 
holding of a public hearing on the adoption of a proposed ordinance reinstating 
the authority. The procedure for publishing the notice of hearing, holding the 
hearing, and adopting the ordinance reinstating the authority shall be as 
provided in section 3(2), (4), and (5).
(4) The validity of the proceedings, findings, and determinations reinstating an 
authority shall be conclusive unless contested in a court of competent 
jurisdiction within 60 days after the last of the following occurs:
(a) Publication of the ordinance reinstating the authority as adopted.
(b) Filing of the ordinance reinstating the authority with the secretary of 
state.
(c) May 27, 1993.

History: 1975, Act 197, Imd. Eff. Aug. 13, 1975 ;-- Am. 1993, Act 42, Imd. Eff. 
May 27, 1993 ;-- Am. 1993, Act 323, Eff. Mar. 15, 1994 
Popular Name: DDA
Popular Name: Downtown Development Authority Act

© 2009 Legislative Council, State of Michigan


125.1681 Proceedings to compel enforcement of act; rules.
Sec. 31.
(1) The state tax commission may institute proceedings to compel enforcement of 
this act.
(2) The state tax commission may promulgate rules necessary for the 
administration of this act pursuant to the administrative procedures act of 
1969, Act No. 306 of the Public Acts of 1969, being sections 24.201 to 24.328 of 
the Michigan Compiled Laws.

History: Add. 1988, Act 425, Imd. Eff. Dec. 27, 1988 
Compiler's Notes: Section 2 of Act 425 of 1988 provides: “This amendatory act is 
effective beginning with taxes levied in 1989. However, for taxes levied before 
1989, tax increment revenues based on the definition of initial assessed value 
provided for in this amendatory act that were received by an authority are 
validated.”
Popular Name: DDA
Popular Name: Downtown Development Authority Act

© 2009 Legislative Council, State of Michigan




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      © 2013 Legislative Council, State of MichiganCourtesy of 
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