The Montague Downtown Development Authority approved its fiscal year 2026-27 budget while also moving forward with a new downtown scavenger hunt designed to drive foot traffic into local businesses.
The June 18 meeting focused on two themes that continue to shape downtown Montague: investing in projects that strengthen the business district today while preparing for larger infrastructure challenges that could affect the community in the years ahead.
Budget reflects downtown priorities
The DDA unanimously approved its 2026-27 budget after a discussion aimed at clarifying how funds are allocated across downtown projects and operations.
Board member Shawna Ramthun asked for additional explanation about the budget format and where specific priorities adopted by the DDA were reflected. City Manager Jeff Auch explained that the budget incorporates projects previously identified by the board, with only minor adjustments based on project timing.
Auch noted that DDA revenue comes primarily from tax increment financing, which captures a portion of property tax growth within the downtown district and returns those funds to support downtown improvements. The budget includes funding for ongoing operations, community activities, infrastructure projects, facade improvements, accessibility initiatives, and other downtown investments.
The discussion highlighted the board’s continued focus on balancing day to day downtown needs with larger capital projects intended to improve the district over the long term.
Scavenger hunt aims to bring customers into downtown businesses
One of the meeting’s most anticipated updates came from Hannah Cross, who provided details on a new business scavenger hunt expected to launch in July.
Cross reported that nine downtown businesses have already expressed interest in participating. Organizers are also considering inviting Artisan Market vendors to join, which would expand participation and encourage visitors to explore more areas of downtown.
The scavenger hunt will feature small weather vanes hidden inside participating businesses. Visitors will receive cards listing each location and collect signatures from employees as they find the hidden items. Completed cards will be entered into prize drawings.
Businesses will also have the opportunity to offer discounts or special promotions to participants. DDA Chair Clarissa Moon suggested listing each business’s discount directly on the scavenger hunt cards, allowing participants to easily see what incentives are available as they visit each location.
Cross said organizers are targeting a launch around July 18, coinciding with Walk the Beat. Flyers and promotional materials are expected to be distributed in early July, with one participation card available per family.
The effort represents a shift from simply attracting people downtown to encouraging them to spend time inside multiple businesses, creating opportunities for local merchants to connect with new customers.
Downtown construction creates short term adjustments
Auch also updated the board on several ongoing projects affecting downtown traffic and parking.
Construction at the Whitehall Products site continues to move forward, with fencing now surrounding the property. While trailhead parking remains available, the fencing has created some confusion for visitors. The city plans to install additional signage directing people to available parking areas nearby.
The city is also working through parking concerns raised by Papa’s Pizza. According to Auch, additional parking is being added near the business to help offset some of the challenges created by ongoing construction activity.
Bridge project remains years away, but planning has begun
Although still several years from construction, discussion also turned to a future Michigan Department of Transportation bridge project that could significantly affect downtown traffic patterns.
Auch said MDOT has placed the project within its funding plans for the 2030 to 2035 period, though no final design has been selected. Several options remain under consideration, and public meetings will be held as planning progresses.
Among the possibilities being explored are maintaining traffic during construction or creating a temporary alternative route. Auch said MDOT recognizes the importance of keeping the crossing functional because of its impact on residents, businesses, and emergency services.
While construction remains years away, the conversation underscored how closely connected downtown business success is to transportation infrastructure and access.
Looking ahead
The meeting demonstrated how the DDA continues to balance immediate opportunities with long term planning.
Whether through a community scavenger hunt designed to introduce people to local businesses, investments in downtown improvements, or discussions about future transportation projects, board members spent much of the morning focused on a common question: how to keep downtown Montague vibrant and accessible as the community continues to evolve.
For residents, the scavenger hunt may become the first visible sign of those efforts when weather vanes begin appearing in storefronts across downtown later this summer.
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