Downtown Development Authority (DDA)

Overview

In downtown Ionia you will find a variety of restaurants, shops, and businesses located in a historic setting.  Take a moment to enjoy the picturesque atmosphere and the friendly, personal service our local businesses provide.

Downtown Ionia retains much of its historical commercial architecture with many buildings dating back to the late 1800s and early 1900s. The Ionia County Courthouse (1886), City Hall (1908), Armory Community Center (1908), Post Office (1912), and Ionia Theatre (1931) all remain in use today.

DDA Establishment

The Ionia DDA was established in 1989 as specified in Public Act 197 of 1975. Funding for projects is directed to improving the downtown district area through economic development, business recruitment and retention, public improvements, downtown beautification, marketing and promotion, and special events.

The mission of the Ionia DDA is to promote and control economic growth which enhances the quality of life through planning and implementation of activities and projects within the Development District.

Since its establishment, the DDA has been involved with these projects and many more:

  • Acquisition and restoration of the historic Ionia Theatre
  • Development of "the Point" area along South Steele Street
  • Façade improvements and grant programs
  • Improvements to the Ionia Free Fair grandstands
  • Street, sidewalk, and parking lot improvements including the installation of red bricks along Main Street
  • Water and sewer upgrades

DDA District Map

The City of Ionia has a large Downtown Development Authority District that extends through the downtown and to the main commercial and industrial corridors of the City. The full DDA District Map (PDF) is provided for reference.

Discover Ionia Social District

In 2025, the City of Ionia introduced the Discover Ionia Social District in the heart of downtown. The district allows visitors to purchase alcoholic beverages in an official Social District cup from participating bars and restaurants and enjoy them while strolling through the historic streets, browsing local shops, or relaxing in public spaces. Whether attending an event, enjoying a night out, or simply exploring the local atmosphere, individuals can experience downtown Ionia in a fun and responsible way through the Social District.

The Social District is open daily from 10 AM to 10 PM for individuals 21 and over. All beverages must be finished or disposed of responsibly before leaving the district boundaries or entering another business.

For more details, including participating establishments and the district review Social District Map (PDF), Maintenance Plan (PDF), or navigate to the Discover Ionia Social District page. 

Fireworks Display Sponsorship

The City of Ionia Fireworks Display will be on Thursday, June 25, 2026, at the Ionia Fairgrounds. The launch will begin at 10:10 PM depending on the weather. The Downtown Development Authority invites you or your business to assist in presenting this dazzling display to our community by becoming an official sponsor. Complete the Fireworks Display Sponsor Form (PDF) and submit it to City Hall, 114 N. Kidd Street, P.O. Box 496, Ionia, MI 48846 with "Attention DDA" in the title.

For more information, contact the DDA Office at (616) 527-1420.

Vacant Property Inventory For Downtown

Currently, the City of Ionia is compiling a list of vacant properties in the DDA District. If you have questions regarding this list, please email DDA Director Cassie Rice.

Bridge Light Display

City Council can approve lighting display requests for the Fred Meijer Grand River Valley Rail Trail Pedestrian Bridge. A non-profit organization or government unit must submit a Bridge Light Display Application (PDF) for the request.

Food Truck Permits

The City of Ionia regulates all food trucks as Mobile Food Vending Units (MFVUs) in Chapter 1293 of the City Codified Ordinances. A permit is required to operate anywhere within the City's corporate boundary. Food trucks associated with a public event/street closure will need to be included on the Parade and Street Closure permit application.

All regulations related to food trucks can be found in the attached Chapter 1293. View the permit applications associated with food trucks:

Street Banner Application

Requests to hang banners on the City lampposts and poles can be made to City Council when the purpose is related to a general public interest. A non-profit organization or governmental unit must submit the Vertical Pole Banner Application (PDF) for the request.

Community Profile

Explore detailed data and insights about the City by using the City of Ionia Community Profile from the Michigan Economic Development Corporation. This resource highlights key information on demographics, workforce, housing, and economic opportunities that help showcase what makes Ionia a great place to live, work, and invest.