Southtown Corridor Improvement Authority

About

The Southtown CIA encompasses six business districts in their development area: Boston Square, Madison Square, Seymour Square, Alger Heights, Eastern & Franklin, and South Division (from Wealthy to Hall).


Annual Activity Synopsis

The Southtown CIA does not have tax increment revenues which have not been expended within 5 years of their receipt.


Facade Improvement Program

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.


Development Support Policy

The Southtown CIA has a development support policy, which provides support for certain development projects that need significant public infrastructure investments and results in at least one of the following:

  • Retention of permanent jobs
  • Creation of permanent jobs
  • Addition of residential units
  • Creation of new greenspace available to the public

Download Policy(PDF, 111KB)


Sub-Committees

Design Committee

This committee focuses on streetscape, and public space design and improvements.

Business Development Committee

This committee supports the development of new or existing businesses.

Facade Committee

This committee reviews all applications submitted to the facade improvement program.

If you have an interest in joining a committee or learning more, please contact the Southtown CIA Corridor Manager, Kelsey Liebenow here.


Meetings

The Southtown CIA meets monthly on the second Wednesday at 10:00 am.


Current Board Members

  • Senita Lenear, Chair (Term Ends: 12/31/2025)
  • Ruben Ramos, Vice-chair (Term Ends: 12/31/2026)
  • Bill DeJong, Secretary (Term Ends: 12/31/2025)
  • Kelsey Perdue, Commissioner (Term Ends: 12/31/2027)
  • Helen Harp (Term Ends: 12/31/2024)
  • Darel Ross (Term Ends: 12/31/2027)
  • Kenneth Hoskins (Term Ends: 12/31/2027)
  • Vacancy (Term Ends: 12/31/2027)
  • Vacancy (Term Ends: 12/31/2027)

     


Budgets


Documents and Links


Contracts 

Kelsey Liebenow

Kelsey Liebenow provides corridor management services to the Southtown CIA. Learn More

ActivCity LLC

ActivCity LLC provides trash maintenance for the six business districts within the Southtown CIA boundary. Learn More

Building Bridges Professional Services

Building Bridges provides landscape maintenance for the six business districts within the Southtown CIA boundary. Learn More 

Business Associations Memorandum of Understanding (MOU)

The MOU executed with each of the Southtown CIA's six business associations allows the CIA to provide $5,000 annually in support to each association. Learn More


Audits

The Southtown CIA is included in the City of Grand Rapids Annual Comprehensive Financial Report (ACFR).


Contact

Kelsey Liebenow
southtowncid@gmail.com


Learn More