About Downtown Wixom

Discover the vibrant mix of local shops, restaurants, and services that make Downtown Wixom a hub for community and commerce.

A Rich History

Wixom, Michigan, traces its roots back to the early 1800s when migrants from the east settled in the Michigan Territory, creating a small farming community known as Sibley’s Corners. By the late 1800s, Willard Wixom contributed land for the railway, transforming the area into a bustling intersection of commerce and activity, eventually known as Wixom Station and later simply Wixom.

Today, Downtown Wixom is a vibrant mix of history and modernity, offering gathering spaces, local businesses, and activities like summer concerts and the Michigan Air Line Trail, continuing its legacy of growth and community spirit.

Our History

A promising Future

Downtown Wixom is building on its legacy with exciting new developments like the proposed West Commons, a vibrant hub for public gatherings, green spaces, and future businesses.

Recently, the city also unveiled a new playground at the library, offering families a fun and engaging space to connect. These projects reflect Wixom’s commitment to creating a welcoming, modern community while preserving its small-town charm.

Project Planning

Your local Downtown Development Authority

Our mission is to coordinate the efforts of businesses and residents to promote the growth of the downtown area for the community’s benefit. The Wixom DDA is dedicated to preserving the city’s historic charm while encouraging innovation and growth. Through strategic planning, events, and community partnerships, the Wixom DDA continues to shape Downtown Wixom into a thriving destination for shopping, dining, recreation, and community connection.

Your Current Board Members

The board is made up of dedicated residents, business owners, and community leaders who are passionate about fostering growth and preserving the unique charm of Downtown Wixom. Together, they bring diverse perspectives and expertise to guide the Downtown Development Authority’s mission of creating a vibrant, thriving community for everyone to enjoy.

Jessica Buck

Board Member Chair

Carissa Osburn

Board Member Vice Chair

Laura Cloutier

Executive Director

Patrick Beagle

Wixom Mayor

Vanessa Willet

Resident Board Member

Steve Hartman

Resident Board Member

Katie Guzowski

Resident Board Member

Russ Meredith

Resident Board Member

Darby Hoppenstedt

Resident Board Member

Mark Garmo

Resident Board Member

Leslie Payment

Resident Board Member

Learn more about The DDA

Discover how the Wixom Downtown Development Authority is shaping the future of our community through key initiatives, committee efforts, accomplishments, and programs that enhance the quality of life in Downtown Wixom.

Community Investments

The Junction Social District ($12K)
Civic Center Walking Path ($30K)
Seasonal flowers, decorations, and holiday lights ($65K)
Civic Center Community Playscape ($250K)
Annual funding for City services ($234K)

Events and Promotions

Wednesdays in Wixom (January-February)
Derby Day Races (May)
Sip n Stroll (May & October)
Downtown Day Block Party (September)
Spooktacular Treat Hunt (October)
Candy Cane Lane (December)
Downtown Dazzle (December)

Annual Presentations

TIF Reporting

Budgets / Audits

At the end of fiscal year 2021-22, the DDA had a fund balance of $68,331. As the 2013 TIF plan indicates, the DDA anticipates assisting the City with future infrastructure projects that include: Renton Redevelopment, Pontiac Trail Streetscape, and Civic Center Playscape. These funds will be expensed within the next five years of the current DDA TIF and Development Plan.

TIF / DDA Plan

DDA Plan

Bylaws

DDA Bylaws

Contracts

Donco Marketing – Website and social media page creations, along with marketing and branding campaigns.
Trivium Racing – Race management services.
Christmas Décor – Services for installation, maintenance, and storage of holiday lights.
Landscape Design & Associates – Services for installation and maintenance of lamp post flower baskets.
Wixom Downtown Development Authority Professional Services Contract – Executive Director employment services.
Memo of Understanding, Wixom Downtown Development Authority and City of Wixom – City services provided to the Wixom DDA for day-to-day operational support.
Carlisle Wortman Associates – City of Wixom Planning services. Contract held through the City of Wixom.
Hubbel, Roth and Clark – City of Wixom Engineering services. Contract held through the City of Wixom.

Current DDA Staff Information

Laura Cloutier, Wixom DDA Executive Director

49045 Pontiac Trail
Wixom, MI 48393

248-560-1358

dda@wixom.us
www.DowntownWixom.org

The Wixom Downtown Development Authority (DDA) was established in 1983 to enhance the quality of life for the City of Wixom residents through revitalization of the downtown area. The DDA utilizes the Main Street Four-Points Approach, a guiding set of principles for downtown management as set by the National Main Street Center. The Four-Point Approach includes Design, Organization, Promotion, and Economic Vitality. The DDA has standing committees assigned to execute these tasks of each of the four points. Downtown Wixom is a member of Main Street Oakland County, the first county-wide Main Street program in the country.

The DDA Board of Directors includes business owners, property owners, residents and liaison members from the City Council. The DDA staff consists of an Executive Director. The DDA is funded through Tax-Increment Financing. This means taxes paid within the downtown district are re-invested in the district annually.

Purpose: To gather and interpret market information while developing an economic development strategy for Downtown Wixom.

Achievements:

Developed a COVID-19 Financial Relief Loan Program for Downtown Wixom businesses.
Conducted survey of all downtown businesses on what financial help is needed during the COVID-19 crisis.
Assisted business owners with guidance regarding the various financial assistance programs.
Partnered with Main Street Oakland County and Patronicity to create a crowdfunding campaign to award grants to downtown businesses.
Sat on the panel for the Oakland County Stabilization Fund Grants.
Chaired the District 6 panel (Wixom, Novi, Novi Twp., South Lyon, Lyon Twp., Northville) that awarded grant monies to businesses in these communities.
Visited downtown businesses on a regular basis during COVID-19 crisis.

Short-term goals:

Focus on the three R’s – Retention, Recruitment, and Redevelopment
Downtown Wixom’s health is dependent on upon the Retention of current businesses. We plan to work with them to determine needs and assist where we can.
Continue to analyze what new businesses would be most beneficial to our downtown then, develop plans to Recruit them.

Purpose: To ensure Downtown Wixom continues to improve at being an aesthetically and functionally desirable destination for people and businesses.

Recent Achievements:

Developed Downtown Dazzle program – Holiday Lights in Downtown Wixom – Developed guidelines of program.
Trails to Downtown program supports beautification projects in Downtown Wixom
Bikes throughout Downtown – set up sponsorship program of bikes, use as a tool to promote the Michigan Air Line Trail

Short-term Goals:

Develop landscape standards
Purchase of bikes racks to be installed throughout Downtown Wixom
Complete the alleyway between Klebba building and Wixom Bar
Add lights to trees in downtown – year round
Design and install wayfinding sign for downtown

Purpose: To build consensus and cooperation among the many groups and individuals who have a vital role in the revitalization process.

Recent Achievements:

Maintain Downtown Wixom Facebook page
Created standardized communication practices to downtown businesses during the COVID-19 crisis.
Created and distributed a COVID-19 Financial Assistance Program flowchart to provide our businesses with coordination of the Economic Vitality committee. Outlining the various financial assistance programs from the different levels (Federal, State, County and Local) government entities

Short Term Goals:

Develop and implement a volunteer recruitment and management program.
Host a volunteer recognition event
Create and distribute a newsletter w/ advertising
Develop a strategic plan to expand sponsorship solicitation
Streamline communication across all committees
Expand presence on social media

Purpose: To tell the story of what is emerging and thriving in Downtown Wixom, as well as celebrate the history and success of our community through marketing, promotion and brand engagement.

Recent Achievements:

Created and implemented the “Experience Here” branding campaign.
Developed and launch a new Downtown Wixom website and Facebook page

Short-term Goals:

Continue to expand the reach of Downtown Wixom’s story and community brand.
Celebrate the unique experience of downtown through partnership with Main Street.
Develop marketing campaign for DDA events and initiatives.
Continue to create content for website