Dallas Downtown Association

History

Long, involved story with the renaissance Committee in 2001. and slowly evolving into the DDA of today. Here is a time line: 2014

February 6th, First meeting of the DA at latitude. Briefing from Sheri Stuart of the Oregon Main Street Program, She suggested that group for a steering committee of 9-13 individuals who would set goals for the organization. She provided a considerable amount of literature as a baseline. 

March 4th, Editorial appears in the Itemizer-Observer saying, "We are excited about the idea of a Downtown Dallas Association, the concerned by a recent comment that it may take 3-5 years for that to get off the ground. That may be too late." 

March 20th, Second Meeting of the DDA at the home of Mayor Dalton. About 17 people were in attendance to include Sheri Stuart from the Oregon Main Street program. Sheri advised the group on setting up the organization for the Association. Mark and Cathey Sturdevant were elected as co-chairs. The name "Dallas Downtown Association" was selected for the organization by a vote. The group also voted to pursue IRS charitable status under the provisions of paragraph 501C(3). Rita Grady with Polk CDC will open a bank account for DDA donations. 

April 14th, Meeting with Lane Shetterly in his office to discuss incorporation and other details of the DDA's Organization. Attending the meeting were Mark and Cathey Sturdevant's, Kathryn Ross and Brian Dalton.

April 15th, Third Meeting of the DDA at Pressed Coffee. Laura Sales volunteered to become secretary of the organization and Rachel Phelps the Vice Chair. Jean Henshaw will work on the bylaws. Boundary lines for the DDA were established. 

May 27th, Fourth meeting of the DDA at Pressed Coffee. 21 people in attendance. Tom Kunke and Marlene Cox will work on the Mission Statement for the Organization. 

2020 - March - Presently the DDA has endured and continues to endure the challenges of Covid 19 and the fears and restrictions it has placed on the organization and the community. The DDA has lost most volunteers and struggles with fundraising therefore has shifted our focus in helping get all major resources to our members and downtown business owners with grant information as much as possible. 

2021 - Present, The DDA strives to adapt to the challenges of the DDA. We continue to strive to adapt to the ever changing challenges of Covid-19 restrictions.

During 2021 the DDA has currently applied for a grant, "Destination Ready 2021", for $23,500.00 . This grant focuses on