About
The Uptown CIA encompasses four business districts in their development area: East Fulton, Wealthy Street, East Hills, and Eastown. Uptown also has a Business Improvement District.
Annual Activity Synopsis
The Uptown 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 Uptown Corridor Improvement Authority (CIA) Boundary? If so, you may be eligible to apply for the Uptown CIA Facade Improvement Program.
Development Support Policy
The Uptown 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, 110KB)
Sub-Committees
Design Committee
This committee focuses on streetscape, and public space design and improvements. This committee meets the third Thursday of the month at 8:30 AM.
Business Development Committee
This committee supports the development of new or existing businesses. This committee meets the third Monday of the month at 8:00 AM.
Marketing Committee
This committee focuses on promoting the work of the Uptown CIA and the businesses located in the development area. This committee meets on the third Wednesday of the month at 8:00 AM.
If you have an interest in joining a committee or learning more, please contact the Uptown Executive Director here.
Meetings
The Uptown CIA meets most months on the first Wednesday at 8:00 am.
Current Board Members
- Joana Hively, Chair (Term Ends: 12/31/2024)
- Mark Stoddard, Vice-chair (Term Ends: 12/31/2025)
- Matthew Smith, Secretary (Term Ends: 12/31/2027)
- Stephanie Johnson (Term Ends: 12/31/2025)
- Dean Van Dis (Term Ends: 12/31/2027)
- Lynn Happel (Term Ends: 12/31/2024)
- Bing Goei, Commissioner (Term Ends: 12/31/26)
- Jon O'Connor (Term Ends: 12/31/2024)
- Vacancy (Term Ends: 12/31/2026)
Budgets
Documents and Links
Contracts
Uptown Grand Rapids, Inc. (UGRI)
UGRI assists the Uptown CIA in the implementation of the Tax Increment Financing and Development Plans. Learn More
Business Association Memorandum of Understanding (MOU)
The MOU executed between Uptown Grand Rapids, Inc (UGRI) and the four Uptown business districts (East Hills, Eastown, East Fulton, and Wealthy Street) allows the CIA to provide $2,400 in support to each association for fiscal year 2025. Learn More
Audits
The Uptown CIA is included in the City of Grand Rapids Annual Comprehensive Financial Report (ACFR).
Contact
Ingrid Miller
imiller@uptowngr.com
Learn More