Building Downtown Farmington with DDA Jessica Westendorf

What is a Downtown Development Authority and why does it matter? T.R. Carr sits down with Jessica Westendorf to demystify the organization that keeps the heart of Farmington humming.

Who Serves and Why

“We have a board of directors comprised of business and property owners in the downtown area as well as some Farmington residents. Our mission is to manage and support a thriving downtown. We were established by city council in the late 80s, and it is our job to make sure that the downtown is vibrant, walkable, draws people and is an economic development tool for the whole city.”

The DDA uses tax increment financing and public‑private partnerships to fund improvements throughout the district.

Working with the City

“We work very closely with the city. We almost operate like a department of the city, even though we are a separate organization with our own board. We work as a team to get projects done.”

Although legally separate, the DDA collaborates daily with city staff to coordinate capital projects, events, and permitting. This tight relationship ensures that downtown improvements align with broader municipal goals.

Defining the District

“It is just one side of Liberty Street along Grand River and then that runs to around Mayfield Street on the other side. On the north‑south boundary, it is from Oakland Street along Farmington Road down to Slocum. So it is just that very defined downtown district.”

The DDA’s work focuses on this specific footprint. Outside those boundaries, other city departments take the lead, ensuring that every improvement aligns with a unified vision.