Downtown Development Authority Board

The Sault Ste. Marie, Michigan Downtown Development Authority was established on February 18th, 1980, pursuant to the State of Michigan’s Act 197 of the Public Acts of 1975. In creating the Authority, the city of Sault Ste. Marie recognized the dangers posed by a declining downtown area and took the first steps in correcting them. The Sault Ste. Marie Downtown Development Authority is tasked with correcting and preventing deterioration in the downtown business district, encouraging historic preservation, implementing development plans for the future, and promoting overall economic growth.

Meeting Schedule

Meetings are scheduled for the second Wednesday of each month at 8:30 a.m. in the City Commission Chambers at City Hall. Meetings can be cancelled or rescheduled, if necessary. The Board meetings are governed by the latest edition of Roberts’ Rules of Order.

You can find information on the Downtown Development Authority meeting schedule, agendas, and minutes via the meeting portal: Agendas and Minutes 

Membership and Term

The board consist of not less than eight (8) or more than twelve (12) members appointed by the Mayor with City Commission confirmation. One board position must be held by a City representative (Mayor and/or the City Manager), one board position must be held by a downtown resident, and the majority of board members must have an interest in property located in the downtown district.  All members serve four (4) year terms.

Current Board Members

• Brad Blair (Term Expiration 04/01/28)
• Craig Cooper (Term Expiration 04/01/29)
• Raymond Bell (Term Expiration 04/01/29)
• Karen Powell (Term Expiration 04/01/29)
• Caity Woolcocks (Term Expiration 04/01/28)
• Jessica Johnston (Term Expiration 04/01/26)
• Wilda Hopper (Term Expiration 04/01/26)
• Kelly Townsend (Term Expiration 04/01/27)
• City Representative - Mayor and/or City Manager (Indefinite)
• Ray Bauer, City Commission Liaison (non-voting member)

Boards and Commission Application Process

Please submit completed Boards and Commission Application to:

Email: rtroyer [at] saultcity.com (rtroyer[at]saultcity[dot]com)
Mail: City of Sault Ste. Marie - Robin R. Troyer, Deputy City Manager, 225 East Portage Avenue, Sault Ste. Marie, MI 49783