Southtown CIA
About
What’s happening in Southtown CIA.
Southtown includes the business districts of Alger Heights, Boston Square, Franklin and Eastern, Madison Square, Seymour Square, and South Division.
The CIA uses tax increment financing dollars (TIF) to make capital improvements within our established commercial districts.
A CIA is designed to assist development by reinvesting the tax dollars the city already collects right back into these districts.
The Southtown CIA was formed to empower the community’s voice to guide and shape positive changes in the community that improve the health and success of business districts in southeast Grand Rapids. Ultimately, it will direct investment and physical improvements to the commercial corridors and business districts where it can provide the most benefit to business owners and residents alike. With the use of tax increment funding (TIF), the Southtown CIA Board is responsible for investments that support the needs of business districts.
The Southtown CIA works to revitalize the commercial and mixed used business corridors within its boundaries. It does this by:
Hosting marketing and promotional activities.
Making permanent, one time improvements in their district.
Providing a forum for discussions on investment and development projects.
Who We Are
SOUTHTOWN CORRIDOR IMPROVEMENT AUTHORITY BOARD
The Southtown CIA Board, formed in 2016 as an expansion of the Madison Square CIA, is comprised of business owners, community members, and leaders. The board collects a portion of tax revenue increases to reinvest directly back into the Southtown district.
The Southtown CIA Board’s responsibilities are to implement the TIF development plan, communicate with the business community, identify challenges and opportunities to strengthen the district, determine how to allocate funding for implementing projects, and champion project/program implementation. This work is governed by a 9-member board made up of business owners and residents representing all the business districts in Southtown. Board terms last four years. Terms are unlimited.
William DeJong
Mayoral Appointment
Alger Heights Business
District Representative
Ward 3 Resident
Term ends: 12/31/2025
Commissioner Senita Lenear
Mayor’s Designee
Ward 3 Resident
Term ends: 12/31/2025
Helen Harp (Vice-Chair)
Mayoral Appointment
Franklin and Eastern Business
District Representative
Ward 2 Resident
Term ends: 12/31/2024
Photo
Coming
Soon
Ruben Ramos
Mayoral Appointment
Business or Property
Representative
Term ends: 12/31/2026
Kelsey Perdue
Mayoral Appointment
Commissioner Representative
Third Ward
Term ends: 12/31/2027
Interested in
being a member?
Darel Ross
Mayoral Appointment
Business or Property
District Representative
Term ends: 12/31/2023
Photo
Coming
Soon
Kristian Grant
Mayoral Appointment
Business or Property
Representative
Term ends: 12/31/2023
Documents & Plans
Façade Improvement Program Application
Are you a commercial business owner or property owner within the Southtown Corridor Improvement Authority (CIA) Boundary? If so, you may be eligible to apply for the Southtown CIA Facade Improvement Program.
This program gives financial reimbursement of up to $10,000 for upgrades or alterations to building exteriors.
Façade Improvement Program Application here:
Business Directory
The CIA uses tax increment financing dollars (TIF) to make capital improvements within our established commercial districts.
District Information
Do you live near the Alger Heights, Boston Square, Madison Square, Franklin/Eastern, or Seymour Square business districts?
