| What
is the DDA? The DDA is a publicly funded body established
by the Lincoln Village Council in September 1985 in accordance
with P.A. 197, Public Acts of Michigan, 1975, as amended. The
purpose of the Authority is to correct and prevent urban deterioration,
to encourage economic development and activity, and to encourage
neighborhood revitalization and historic preservation within
the boundaries of the district. The original enabling ordinance
was renewed in 2000 for an additional 15 year period. How is the DDA funded? The DDA is funded by means of tax increment financing. Tax
increment financing is the process of expending new property
tax dollars for improvements that generally benefit the source
of the taxes. Tax dollars generated from new private property
developments and from improvements to existing private property
within the designated development area are "captured" and utilized by the DDA to finance public improvements within
the development area. This process supports and encourages
continued private investment. "Who manages
the DDA funds" A Board of Directors, compromised
of ten people who are appointed by the Village Council,
is the governing body of the DDA. Directors serve four-year
terms and may be re-appointed. The role of the Board
is to oversee the implementation of the downtown development
plan and the tax increment financing plan. The Board
prepares an annual budget which is submitted to the
Village Council for approval. (Click
here for a list of current DDA Board members.) Where do the "captured" taxes come from? The tax revenues that are captured
by the DDA come from the Village of Lincoln, Alcona County
and Gustin Township. What
improvements has the DDA made to the District? The
DDA has made numerous improvements to streets, sidewalks and
parking lots, has purchased equipment for maintenance within
the Village, bought a new fire truck and first responder vehicle,
paid for demolition of blighted buildings, supported the restoration
of the Lincoln Railroad Depot and construction of the Alcona
Humane Society Animal Shelter, Annually supports the Classic
and Antique Car Show and the Festival of Lights, and many
other projects. |