Royal Oak DDA Recognized For COVID-19 Response

ROYAL OAK, MI — The Royal Oak Downtown Development Authority has been awarded a Main Street Forward Award by Main Street America, the organization announced Tuesday.

Royal's Oak's DDA was the only Michigan DDA to receive the award, which was awarded to six communities around the country, officials said.

“The business recovery program established by the Downtown Development Authority is the most impactful project we have ever implemented, and we are honored to be recognized by Main Street America,” Royal Oak Downtown Manager Sean Kammer said. “The grants and the Downtown Dollars program are helping to make sure all businesses are successful, and that Downtown Royal Oak continues to evolve into the future. We have heard from so many that these programs saved their business - and it’s amazing to see what can be accomplished when a community comes together.”

The DDA was recognized in part for its Rebound Royal Oak Small Business Assistance Program, which was established in March 2020 and led to more than $1.3 million in grant funding to 92 restaurants, shops, salons and other local businesses.

Royal Oak's DDA also created a Downtown Dollars gift card program involving 70 businesses.

As a recipient of the Main Street Forward Award, the Royal Oak DDA received $1,000 and was recognized at the Main Street 2021 virtual conference on Monday.