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
61st District Court
The 61st District Court 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