682 - Downtown Development Association
Image of the Downtown Grand Forks, ND logo.
Jill Proctor, President and CEO of the Downtown Development Association and a founding board member has helped shape the organization’s mission from the very beginning. Driven by a passion for building vibrant, connected communities, Jill has led efforts that strengthen Downtown through local development, community engagement, and initiatives that connect people to the heart of the city. Listen as she shares how the DDA works year round to support businesses, create memorable events, and keep Downtown thriving.
The Downtown Development association is a nonprofit organization dedicated to keeping Downtown Forks vibrant, welcoming, and thriving year round. Formed in 2013 by a group of passionate community leaders, the DDA was created to advocate, promote, grow, and improve the Downtown community, bringing new energy and a shared vision to the heart of our community.
Today, the DDA is at the center of Downtown's momentum and from strengthening small businesses to hosting engaging public events, the DDA helps shape the Downtown experience for residents, visitors, and locals. Each year, the events and programming the DDA organizes brings tens of thousands of people to the area, including the Downtown Street Fair, Hollydazzle, various live music, and the winter favorite, the Downtown Ice Rink. These opportunities not only foster community connection, they also support local businesses and elevate Downtown as a regional destination.
The DDA also works hard behind the scenes to promote Downtown as a place to live, work and explore. They've helped bring two different murals to the Downtown area, welcomed new businesses, activated public spaces like Town Square, and continue to tell the story of Downtown through marketing campaigns, tours and community collaborations.
Whether you're enjoying an event downtown, meeting friends at a local shop, or just strolling through downtown, the DDA is working hard behind the scenes to create a space that feels safe, accessible and full of vibrancy. To learn more about what's happening downtown or how you can get involved, visit downtownforks.com or follow along on facebook@facebook.com/DowntownForks.