About the Board
DDA operations are managed by the Executive Director, who reports to the DDA Board of Directors. The Board is comprised of eight members appointed by City Council. By law, the majority of members must have an interest in downtown Ferndale property; the Board also seeks 1-2 residents who live within the downtown district.
Downtown Development Authority Board members are expected to:
- Advise and approve the annual DDA budget.
- Set the vision for the downtown and organization.
- Attend all meetings, including bimonthly Board meetings, special meetings, and joint meetings.
- Review monthly agendas, staff reports, and relevant documents.
- Attend at least two hours of training per year.
Terms for the DDA Board of Directors are four years, and each individual may serve two consecutive terms. Authorization for this board arises from Public Act 57 of 2018; and Ferndale Code of Ordinances Part II, Chapter 19 , Article VI.
Comission Members
Metari Harris
Bags & Beads
Omar George
Downtown Property Owner
Melanie Piana
Mayor of Ferndale
PJ Jacokes
Board Chair; GoComedy!
Sarah Brown
Board Treasurer; Crossfit HCS
JeDonna Dinges
Margaux & Max
Jerome Raska
Blumz… by JrDesigns
Jessica Minnick
Not Sorry Goods
Toly Ashkenazi
215 W
Learn More
Over the past decade, the Downtown Development Authority's work has helped to establish Downtown Ferndale as a favorite local and regional destination, known for its shopping and entertainment, public art, intimate pedestrian alleys and pocket parks, inviting streetscapes, and more.