News Flash

The Downtown Development Authority (DDA) presented its annual report, highlighting the year’s progress and achievements, at the City Council Meeting on March 4, 2026. Through collaboration with local businesses, residents, and community partners, the DDA has advanced initiatives that enhance downtown as a vibrant hub of economic activity, culture, and innovation.

From infrastructure improvements and community events to the development of a social district, temporary public art, and new business growth, efforts have focused on creating a welcoming environment for all who live, work, and visit the district. The DDA remains committed to preserving the area’s unique character while pursuing strategic, long-term growth.

Review the 2025 City of Ionia DDA Annual Report (PDF). 

CITY OF IONIA LOCAL DEVELOPMENT FINANCE AUTHORITY MEETING CANCELLATION NOTICE

The City of Ionia Local Development Finance Authority’s regularly scheduled quarterly meeting for Tuesday, March 17, 2026, at 4:00 PM, has been CANCELLED, due to a lack of agenda items. 

The next quarterly meeting for the Local Development Finance Authority is scheduled for Tuesday, June 16, 2026, at 4:00 PM in the Lower Level Conference Room at Ionia City Hall, 114 N. Kidd Street, Ionia, MI 48846. If you have any questions, please contact City Clerk, Jonathan Bowman, at (616) 523-0147 or via email at jbowman@ci.ionia.mi.us.

The Ionia City Council approved the City’s Capital Improvement Program (CIP): FY2027 - FY2032 during its Special Meeting on Wednesday, March 4, 2026. The CIP is a planning document that outlines major projects and investments anticipated over the next six years. The program helps the City plan for improvements to important facilities, equipment, and infrastructure while identifying potential funding sources. Capital projects typically include items valued at $5,000 or more with a useful life of at least one year, such as building improvements, public safety vehicles, and public transportation buses.

Review the Capital Improvement Plan Presentation FY 27-32 (PDF) and Capital Improvement Plan FY 27-32 (PDF).

Match on Main (MoM) is a reimbursement grant program designed to support new or expanding place-based businesses. It provides up to $25,000 in funding to eligible small businesses. Applications must be submitted, administered, and managed by the Downtown Development Authority. Match on Main requires a ten percent (10%) cash match from the business. Eligible businesses must be located in historic downtowns in Michigan. 

On March 1, the application window opens for submission to the Ionia Downtown Development Authority for review. Eligible businesses must submit a local business worksheet to Ionia DDA for panel review by Noon on March 31. 

View the 2026 Match on Main Brochure (PDF) for additional information, including eligible businesses, important dates, and links.

If you have questions, please contact Ionia DDA Director Cassie Rice at 616.527.1420 or crice@ci.ionia.mi.us.

Hiring Election Workers

The Ionia City Clerk is recruiting citizens 18 years or older to serve as paid Election Workers for the August 4, 2026, and November 3, 2026, elections. Workers will be paid $16/hr. during elections. You are not required to live within the City of Ionia to be an Election Worker, but you must attend the City’s mandatory training.

Qualifications

• Available to work from 6:30 AM until approximately 10:00 PM on Election Day.
• Registered Michigan Voter.
• Capable of following instructions.
• Basic computer knowledge.
• Ability to be impartial during an election.
• Available to attend an in-person, unpaid 2-3 hour training session prior to the election.

Duties

• Assist Chairperson with polling place procedures.
• Assist voters in the voting process.
• Process absentee voter ballots.
• Other duties needed by the City Clerk or Ward Chairperson.

To apply: Complete the Election Inspector Application Form (PDF) found on the City Clerk page of the City’s website and submit it to the City Clerk via email at jbowman@ci.ionia.mi.us, by mail to P.O. Box 496, Ionia, MI 48846, or in person at Ionia City Hall, 114 N. Kidd Street, Ionia, MI 48846. Questions? Contact Ionia City Clerk Jonathan Bowman at (616) 523-0147 or at the email provided above.

Applications due by 4:00 PM, Monday, April 20, 2026. EOE/ADA Employer.

Review the Ionia Housing Commission 2025 Annual Report (PDF). The Ionia Housing Commission is charged with providing proper sanitary housing facilities for families of low income and for the elimination of housing conditions that are detrimental to the public peace, health, safety, morals, and/or welfare.

The report highlights the library’s impact over the past year, including programs, services, and statistics. Review the Ionia Community Library 2025 Annual Report (PDF). 

WINTER PARKING AND SIDEWALK SNOW REMOVAL NOTICE

Odd/Even Parking

To facilitate winter snow plowing of City streets, residents are reminded of the odd/even parking ordinance in effect from December 1 through March 31 from 7 AM—NOON. vehicles must park on the even or odd house-numbered side of the street that coincides with the even or odd date of the month. For example, on December 16, an even numbered date, vehicles must park on the side of the street with even house numbers. On December 17, an odd-numbered date, vehicles must park on the side of the street with odd house numbers. This rule applies to all streets on which parking is allowed from December 1—March 31 from 7 AM—NOON only. If parking is only allowed on one side of the street, no street parking will be allowed on the corresponding odd/even days when parking is prohibited. Contact the Public Safety Department at (616) 527-4431 with questions regarding the ordinance.

Sidewalk Snow Removal

The City requires that every property owner or resident keep the sidewalk bordering his or her property free of snow and ice after every snowfall. If this requirement is not satisfied, City Code permits the City to perform snow and ice removal at the property owner’s expense. City Code also states that there is no advance warning required. Residents are encouraged to contact Code Enforcement at (616) 523-0157 with questions regarding this ordinance.

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