The City of Farmington is looking to fill a vacancy on its Downtown Development Authority (DDA) Board of Directors. The vacancy is open to any business or property owner in the downtown district who is interested in helping shape the future of the award-winning downtown.

The Farmington DDA meets the first Wednesday of every month at 8 a.m. and is the organization behind Main Street Farmington, a nationally recognized downtown revitalization program and recipient of the 2026 Great American Main Street Award (GAMSA). Board members serve a 4-year term; this partial vacant term expires on Feb. 28, 2028.

Those interested should fill out a board and commission application and return it to Farmington City Hall: 23600 Liberty Street; email it to mandrade@farmgov.com; or call 248-699-5121. An application can be found at: https://www.farmgov.com/City-Services/Forms-and-Permits/Government/Application_BoardsCommissionsCommittees.aspx, they are also available at City Hall. Applications are due by Tuesday, Oct. 13. 

The DDA works to strengthen Downtown Farmington through strategic public investment, business development, historic preservation, and cultural programming. From streetscape improvements to the creation of welcoming gathering spaces like Dinan Park, Masons Corner, and the new Art Park Promenade, the DDA helps create a vibrant, walkable downtown. Its work also includes supporting small businesses through programs like the Retail LAB incubator, and small business grants.

This vacancy is left by Board Member Shawn MacDonell-Kavanagh, who was an owner of Heights Brewing. Shawn has been a dedicated champion for Downtown Farmington, bringing a strong commitment to collaboration. As a DDA Board Member and Promotions Committee Chair, she helped bring merchants together, encouraged creative partnerships, and championed collaborative events like the Hollywood Haunt and Ugly Sweater Crawl. Her enthusiasm, leadership, and willingness to roll up her sleeves strengthened the connections among downtown merchants and the broader community. The City and DDA are grateful for Shawn's time, energy, and contributions to Downtown Farmington.