Let's Do Lunch (and Learn) is an opportunity for members of the MDA to virtually meet and discuss topics related to downtown management. On April 21, the discussion will center around the DDA budget process and why DDAs capture from community millages. There will be time dedicated for members to share challenges and successes regarding anything downtown! A link to the meeting will be sent to all members via email. more info...
The MDA will host a 3-part webinar series, AI and Downtowns- The What, How, Ethics, and Best Practices.
Registration for the 3-part webinar series is available to members of the MDA.
All webinars will be recorded and available to paid registrants to view until November 20, 2026.
The session dates are as follows, all taking place LIVE from 11 am-12 pm EST:
• Thursday, May 7 - Introduction to AI: the Basics
• Thursday, May 14 - Ethics and Biases: How to use AI Responsibly
• Thursday, May 21 - How to Apply AI to Downtown Management
Session 1, May 7
INTRODUCTION TO AI: THE BASICS
Join us as we 'demystify' AI, specifically Generative AI. This session will give you the knowledge and tools to make an informed decision in the event you wish to use Generative AI, and, if so, how to do so responsibly. This webinar will also dive into basic and common tools that have become most well-known, such as ChatGPT. Participants will learn how to use these tools in everyday lives.
• What is AI?
• How can it be used?
• Types of basic tools that are available
Session 2, May 14
ETHICS AND BIASES: HOW TO USE AI RESPONSIBLY
Session 2 will build from the introductory lession through the lens of ethics and biases, providing members with a deeper background and understanding of how to use these
tools in an informed way. It will provide further detail on topics such as reliability, accuracy, risks, transparency,and example policies.
Session 3, May 21
HOW TO APPLY AI TO DOWNTOWN MANAGEMENT (DDA DIRECTOR OR CITY MANAGER)
The webinar will feature, Nate Mack, director of the Berkley Downtown Development Authority. Nate will give live demonstrations on how he uses AI platforms to enhance his work as a downtown director.
A link to the webinars will be sent to registrants on May 6.
Calling all downtown directors with less than three years' experience in the field! This Let's Do Lunch (and Learn) is just for you. We will have an open discussion regarding all things downtown.
A link to the meeting will be sent to MDA members.
The MDA's Summer Workshop, Keeping the Magic of Strong Michigan Downtowns Alive, will be held in downtown South Haven, June 3 and 4, 2026.
The event kicks off on Wednesday, June 3, with a walking tour of downtown South Haven led by the Downtown Development Authority. We will convene for our networking event at the Idler from 5:30-7:30pm and enjoy complimentary appetizers, cash bar, and great company. Thank you to our networking sponsor, Lumecon.
Our Summer Workshop will be held on Thursday, June 4, at the Michigan Maritime Museum and include the following session topics:
Connecting Downtown to Natural Resources
Public Spaces
Understanding Retail Shifts
Using Design to Create Safe & Desirable Streets
The Magic of Downtowns
A complete agenda will be available soon.
A special rate for June 3 at the following hotels is available for attendees of the Workshop:
Holiday Inn Express, South Haven, is available by clicking here. To make Hotel Room Reservations by Phone, please call the Hotel at (269) 639-0303 and ask to make a room reservation in the Michigan Downtown Association block. $140 plus tax and fees.
Hampton Inn, South Haven, is available by clicking here. $259 plus tax and fees.
The Historic Hotel Nichols
Phone: (269) 872-3943 and mention the MDA. Rates and rooms vary.
Website: hotelnichols.com
The MDA's Summer Workshop, Keeping the Magic of Strong Michigan Downtowns Alive, will be held in downtown South Haven, June 3 and 4, 2026.
The event kicks off on Wednesday, June 3, with a walking tour of downtown South Haven led by the Downtown Development Authority. We will convene for our networking event at the Idler from 5:30-7:30pm and enjoy complimentary appetizers, cash bar, and great company. Thank you to our networking sponsor, Lumecon.
Our Summer Workshop will be held on Thursday, June 4, at the Michigan Maritime Museum and include the following session topics:
Connecting Downtown to Natural Resources
Public Spaces
Understanding Retail Shifts
Using Design to Create Safe & Desirable Streets
The Magic of Downtowns
A complete agenda will be available soon.
A special rate for June 3 at the following hotels is available for attendees of the Workshop:
Holiday Inn Express, South Haven, is available by clicking here. To make Hotel Room Reservations by Phone, please call the Hotel at (269) 639-0303 and ask to make a room reservation in the Michigan Downtown Association block. $140 plus tax and fees.
Hampton Inn, South Haven, is available by clicking here. $259 plus tax and fees.
The Historic Hotel Nichols
Phone: (269) 872-3943 and mention the MDA. Rates and rooms vary.
Website: hotelnichols.com
