Sara Hardy Downtown Farmers Market

Downtown Traverse City, which includes the Downtown Development Authority (DDA), the Downtown Traverse City Association (DTCA) and Auto Parking Services, is unique in terms of organization and operational funding. The DDA was created in 1979 and levies two mills within the DDA district. The DTCA, a voluntary organization of merchants and other businesses, was organized in the 1960's and serves as the marketing arm for downtown. In 1990, the two organizations signed a management agreement merging their offices and staff. Aside from improvements in financing and communications, the merger has had the added benefit of creating clear roles for the two organizations. Listed below are the major areas of responsibility. Since 1991, the DDA has managed the city's parking system, including Northwestern Michigan College and the new Larry C. Hardy Parking Deck. The DDA operates the City Opera House as downtown's historic cultural facility. The DDA has nine employees, plus provides direction for two city parking attendants. Part-time, temporary and contractual employees are hired on an as-needed basis.