In MI Downtown

Michigan Downtown Association

In MI Downtown features impactful projects and programs happening in downtowns throughout the State of Michigan. IMD is a production of the Michigan Downtown Association.

  1. May 27

    In MI Downtown - Revolving Loan Funds

    This episode of In MI Downtown explores the concept of revolving loan funds, their benefits, challenges, and best practices for downtown development and small business support. Guests Josh, Sam and Lizzie share insights from Michigan communities on how these funds foster economic vitality and community wealth building.

    24 min

  2. Apr 23

    In MI Downtown - Downtown Marketing with Catalyst Media Factory

    In this episode, MDA Executive Director Dana Walker interviews Jennifer Foster, CEO of Catalyst Media Factory, about how small businesses can leverage PR and social media to thrive in downtown areas. They discuss practical strategies for marketing, building community relationships, and adapting to modern consumer behaviors.

    24 min

  3. Mar 24

    In MI Downtown - Public Policy Primer with MML

    This podcast features an insightful discussion with Shanna Dreheim, Policy Director at the Michigan Municipal League, exploring the fundamentals of public policy and its impact on downtown development and community revitalization in Michigan.

    23 min

  4. Feb 19

    In MI Downtown - Partner Focus - MI Retailers

    In this episode, Dana Walker discusses the Michigan Retailers Association (MRA) with Vic Veda and Burke Sage. They explore the benefits of MRA membership, including legislative advocacy, merchant services, and community engagement through initiatives like the Buy Nearby campaign. The conversation highlights the importance of supporting local businesses, especially in the face of challenges like e-commerce and gift card fraud. The episode concludes with a call to action for listeners to shift their spending towards local businesses and to utilize the resources provided by MRA.

    26 min

  5. Jan 27

    In MI Downtown - March 3 Advocacy Day

    MDA Executive Director Dana Walker, along with members of the organizational Advocacy Committee, discusses the value and details of the upcoming annual visit with legislators in Michigan's Capitol in Lansing. Thank you to James Alt, Kate Knight and Nate Mack for your contributions.

    20 min

  6. 12/21/2025

    In MI Downtown - The Pulse with Jeff Genova

    In this episode of The Pulse, Dana Walker speaks with Jeff Genova, the Downtown Development Authority Coordinator for Holland, Michigan. They discuss Jeff's journey from managing a brewery to his current role in city government, emphasizing the importance of community collaboration and relationships with local businesses. Jeff shares insights about the innovative infrastructure in Holland, including a snow melt system and a new ice skating ribbon, which enhance the downtown experience year-round. The conversation also touches on cultural differences between Michigan and the South, Jeff's passion for cooking and photography, and future developments in Holland.

    20 min

  7. 10/22/2025

    In MI Downtown - Lighting Lessons with Lumecon

    In this episode of In MI Downtown, Bob Hahn from Farmington Hills-based lighting supplier Lumecon discusses advances in the lighting industry, the Dark Skies Initiative and the importance of lighting to downtown safety and ambiance.

    25 min

  8. 07/02/2025

    In MI Downtown - Design Guidelines

    In the March, 2025 episode of In MI Downtown, we discussed Facade Incentive Programs with Boyne City's Ingrid Day. As a follow-up to that conversation, we invited Michigan's State Historic Preservation Office to explain in more detail the design guidelines that are necessary to consider whether or not to approve a facade application. SHPO's CLG and Community Preservation Coordinator Haley Schriber answers my questions about the creation of design guidelines, which components are key and who needs to be part of the process.

    26 min
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Ratings & Reviews

3
out of 5
2 Ratings

About

In MI Downtown features impactful projects and programs happening in downtowns throughout the State of Michigan. IMD is a production of the Michigan Downtown Association.

Information

  • Creator
    Michigan Downtown Association
  • Years Active
    2020 - 2026
  • Episodes
    62
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Michigan Downtown Association
  • Show Website
    In MI Downtown