Downtown Lansing

What Downtown Lansing does

Downtown Lansing Inc. (DLI) is a nonprofit downtown development organization operating as the designated Michigan Main Street community for Lansing, Michigan's state capital. The 64-block Central Business District — listed on the National Register of Historic Places and containing more than 1,000 businesses — was established in 1996; DLI itself obtained Michigan Main Street designation in February 2013 and operates today with 5 full-time staff and a multi-stakeholder board. DLI implements the nationally accredited Main Street Four-Point Approach (Organization, Promotion, Economic Vitality, Design & Public Spaces) and serves four customer segments: the 1,000+ existing downtown businesses, prospective incoming businesses, downtown residents and visitors, and government/institutional stakeholders including MEDC, the City of Lansing, LEAP, and Michigan Main Street.

DLI's product portfolio spans (1) the Downtown Digital Dollars gift card program, a digital commerce platform built on third-party provider Yiftee that serves 35+ participating merchants with a $2.25 eDelivery fee per transaction; (2) a portfolio of grant programs including Facade Improvement ($175,000 allocated by the City of Lansing in FY23-24), Sign Grants (up to $1,000 per applicant, 50% reimbursement), Sidewalk Cafe Furniture Grants (up to $1,000), and Tenant Improvement; (3) signature community events including the Big Red Ball annual fundraiser, Downtown After 5 monthly summer series, Downtown Egg-Stravaganza, and Trick or Treat on the Square; (4) the Comprehensive Market Analysis, a research product projecting 1,143 new downtown residents annually; (5) the searchable Downtown Directory covering 100+ merchants; and (6) Accelerator Programs (The Shops at Middle Village, The Macotta Club) currently on hiatus.

Revenue is generated through tiered sponsorships (Beautification $500-$2,500; Event $2,500-$5,000; Annual $10,000-$40,000; Accelerator $5,000-$100,000; Sponsor a Season $2,500-$10,000), tax-deductible individual donations, gift card transaction fees, and pass-through grant administration from MEDC, the City of Lansing, and the Michigan Main Street network. DLI reaches its audiences through owned digital channels (website, newsletter, Downtown Directory), monthly Downtown Business Huddles, signature community events, social media, and earned media via the Main Street America network. As of 2024, DLI was recognized as a Top 10 Great American Main Street Award semi-finalist.

Name

Downtown Lansing

Legal name

Downtown Lansing Inc.

Website

https://downtownlansing.org

Company type

Private

Founded year

2013

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

1–10 employees

Short description

Downtown Lansing Inc. is a nonprofit downtown development organization implementing the Michigan Main Street Four-Point Approach across Lansing, Michigan's 64-block Central Business District. It serves 1,000+ businesses through grants, signature events, business recruitment, and a Downtown Digital Dollars gift card platform.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Downtown Revitalization Services

NAICS

Administration of Urban Planning and Community and Rural Development (92512), Civic and Social Organizations (81341), Administration of Housing Programs, Urban Planning, and Community Development (9251)

SIC

Services-Facilities Support Management Services (8744)

akta.pro primary industry

Community Development & Neighborhood Revitalization (CDBG, Place-Based Initiatives) (BPAIANAE)

akta.pro secondary industries

State/Provincial Housing, Urban/Regional Planning & Community Development (BPAIABAM), Sustainable Cities, Urban Development & Green Infrastructure (BPADALAL), Urban Planning & Master Planning (BPAHAKAD)

Keywords

• Downtown revitalization services
• Economic development programs
• Community event management
• Business grant administration
• Nonprofit district management

Headquarters

HQ city

Lansing

HQ country

United States

HQ region

North America

Offices1 record

Markets served

GTM type

B2B and B2C

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Operations, Marketing or Sales, Others, Technology or R&D

Revenue model

1. Sponsorships: DLI generates revenue through tiered sponsorship programs including Beautification Sponsors ($500-$2,500), Event Sponsors ($2,500-$5,000), Annual Sponsors ($10,000-$40,000), Accelerator Sponsors ($5,000-$100,000), and Sponsor a Season levels ($2,500-$10,000). Sponsors fund specific programming areas such as events, beautification, and accelerator programs.
2. Individual Donations: DLI accepts individual donations to support its programs including events, beautification, and community building. All contributions are tax-deductible as the organization is a nonprofit.
3. Downtown Digital Dollars Gift Card Program: DLI operates a Downtown Digital Dollars digital gift card program supporting 35+ downtown businesses. Customers purchase gift cards at chosen values; DLI charges a $2.25 eDelivery fee per transaction and offers volume discount programs for enterprise buyers. Revenue comes from fee-based processing of digital gift card sales.
4. Business Development Support Services: DLI provides business development services including property listings, tours, pop-up space exploration, and grant coordination. The organization connects prospective businesses with downtown real estate and leverages state programs like Match on Main and MEDC grants.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion3 records

Distribution channels4 records

Marketing channels8 records

Core offering

Downtown Lansing Inc. is a nonprofit downtown development organization that delivers community-driven revitalization services for Lansing's Central Business District. Its core offerings encompass a Downtown Digital Dollars digital gift card program supporting 35+ local businesses, multiple grant programs (Facade Improvement, Sign, Sidewalk Cafe Furniture, Tenant Improvement), the Comprehensive Market Analysis research product, signature and recurring community events, the searchable Downtown Directory, and business development services that connect prospective and existing businesses with funding, property, and partner resources under the Michigan Main Street Four-Point Approach.

Product overview

Downtown Lansing Inc. (DLI) is a nonprofit organization serving as the champion of vision and strategy for Downtown Lansing, Michigan's state capital. Rather than a unified software product, DLI operates as an umbrella organization offering a portfolio of economic development programs and community services. The core offerings include the Downtown Digital Dollars gift card program (powered by Yiftee) supporting 35+ local businesses, the Comprehensive Market Analysis providing market research data, and various grant programs (Facade Improvement, Sign, Sidewalk Cafe Furniture, and Tenant Improvement) totaling significant funding for business development. DLI also facilitates the Michigan Main Street designation implementing a Four-Point Approach framework, manages signature community events (Big Red Ball, Downtown After 5, Downtown Egg-Stravaganza, Trick or Treat on the Square), operates the Downtown Business Directory, and coordinates Social District participation. Accelerator Programs previously supported new business launches but are currently on hiatus. The organization serves as a central hub connecting businesses, property owners, residents, and visitors to foster downtown vitality.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Products and services

• Downtown Digital Dollars A digital gift card program allowing customers and corporate buyers to purchase gift cards of any value redeemable at 35+ participating downtown Lansing businesses, with electronic delivery and volume discount programs for enterprise purchasers.
• Facade Improvement Program Grant program administered by DLI in coordination with the City of Lansing, providing $175,000 in funding during the 2023-2024 fiscal year to improve building facade appearances and structural conditions in highly visible areas of downtown.
• Sign Grant Program Grant program reimbursing up to 50% of sign costs, with a maximum of $1,000 per eligible applicant, for creative and high-quality business signage in the Principal Shopping District.
• Sidewalk Cafe Furniture Grant Program One-time grant program providing up to $1,000 for sidewalk cafe furniture, decorative fencing, tables, chairs, and umbrellas to enhance downtown outdoor dining experiences.
• Downtown Lansing Tenant Improvement Program Program designed to reduce vacancies, rehabilitate older vacant commercial buildings, support business growth, and enhance the physical appearance of the downtown district.
• Comprehensive Market Analysis A research study providing data on housing demand, retail opportunities, and market potential for Downtown Lansing, projecting 1,143 new residents annually and identifying top retail establishment opportunities.
• Big Red Ball Downtown Lansing's premier annual fundraising event celebrating community momentum while paying tribute to stories, places, and people that define Michigan's Downtown.
• Downtown After 5 Monthly summer event series held on third Thursdays from June through August, featuring extended business hours, live music, dining promotions, and community gathering from 5-7 PM.
• Downtown Egg-Stravaganza Annual family-friendly event held the Saturday before Easter featuring the Capitol Lawn Easter Egg Hunt followed by activities and treats on Washington Square.
• Trick or Treat on the Square Annual Halloween event held on Washington Square where local businesses distribute candy, host games, and offer family-friendly activities from 5-7 PM.
• Downtown Directory Comprehensive searchable online directory of 100+ downtown businesses organized by categories including dining, shopping, nightlife, attractions, lodging, and professional services.
• Accelerator Programs Programs such as The Shops at Middle Village and The Macotta Club designed to provide a launching pad for new businesses downtown, nurturing innovation and fostering growth; currently on hiatus while being revamped.

Quantifiable outcome

• 1,143 new residents per year projected market potential for downtown housing
• +3 more outcomes

Named customers4 records

Segments4 records

Ideal customer profiles4 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Integration1 record

Partnerships

Eight partnerships are on record, tiered core and minor.

• Michigan Main Street / Main Street AmericacoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 February 2013Downtown Lansing became a designated Michigan Main Street community in February 2013 by the Michigan Economic Development Corporation. As part of Main Street America, DLI receives resources, expertise, and support to enhance its downtown area, fostering economic development and community engagement. DLI implements the nationally accredited Four-Point Approach (Organization, Promotion, Economic Vitality, Design & Public Spaces) as a core operating framework.
• State Historic Preservation Office (SHPO)minorStrategic or Co-development PartnerDLI has partnered with SHPO to offer property and business owners design support including design consultations, tax credit evaluations, and other assistance to enhance buildings' curb appeal and functionality while preserving downtown's historic character.
• LEAP (Lansing Economic Area Partnership)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerLEAP provides regional economic development support to businesses locating or expanding in the Lansing region. DLI refers prospective businesses to LEAP for guidance with funding assistance and advocacy efforts, and collaborates on attracting new businesses to downtown Lansing.
• Lansing Regional Chamber of CommercecoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerThe Chamber provides extensive business networking and advocacy for the Lansing region. DLI collaborates with the Chamber to support downtown businesses, connect new businesses to regional resources, and co-promote events and programs benefiting the business community.
• Capital Region Small Business Development Center (SBDC)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerThe Capital Region SBDC provides one-on-one counseling, training, and research to assist small businesses in the downtown area. DLI refers prospective and existing business owners to the SBDC for business and marketing plan development as part of its startup support process.
• Lansing Economic Development Corporation (LEDC)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerLEDC (led by President & CEO Kris Klein, who also serves on DLI's board) is a nonprofit organization created to benefit the businesses and citizens of Lansing. LEDC works alongside DLI on economic development initiatives and business attraction efforts for the downtown area.
• Redhead Creative ConsultancyminorGTM or Marketing PartnerRedhead Creative Consultancy designed and developed DLI's website and provides ongoing brand strategy and marketing services. Jen Estill, Redhead's Principal and Creative Director, also serves as DLI's Board President, creating a close operational and governance relationship.
• City of LansingcoreOthersThe City of Lansing works with DLI on multiple initiatives including facade improvement grants ($175,000 allocated in 2023-2024), parking improvements, right-of-way permitting, zoning administration, and fire marshal inspections. DLI coordinates ribbon cutting ceremonies and supports city-led initiatives in the downtown district.

Scale indicators6 records

Recent moves3 records

Expansion highlights5 records

Others

• International Downtown Association: Professional membership association for downtown management organizations worldwide. Comparable as the trade body representing DLI's organizational category and providing industry benchmarks and best practices.
• Main Street America: National accreditation network and methodology steward for the Main Street Four-Point Approach that DLI implements. Comparable as the upstream framework provider and peer network operator for organizations like DLI.
• Lansing Economic Area Partnership (LEAP): Regional economic development partner of DLI covering the greater Lansing region. Comparable as a peer nonprofit economic development organization serving overlapping Lansing-area businesses and investors.

Regional players

• Royal Oak Downtown Development Authority: DDA managing downtown Royal Oak, a Michigan entertainment and dining district. Comparable as a Michigan DDA executing events, business support, and placemaking — though serving a different submarket than Lansing.
• East Lansing Downtown Development Authority: DDA serving Downtown East Lansing, the MSU-adjacent commercial district. Comparable as a neighboring Michigan downtown DDA targeting overlapping customer demographics (state workers, MSU affiliates) within the Lansing metro.

Broad incumbents

• Downtown Detroit Partnership: Larger nonprofit dedicated to revitalizing downtown Detroit through public space management, events, and stakeholder coordination. Comparable mission and operating model, though at materially larger scale and budget.

Direct peers

• Traverse City Downtown Development Authority: DDA responsible for downtown Traverse City's commercial district management, events, and business support. Comparable as a Michigan DDA with similar Main Street-style programming in a tourism-influenced downtown.
• Ann Arbor Downtown Development Authority: Public authority managing downtown Ann Arbor's economic vitality, parking, and streetscape. Comparable as a Michigan downtown DDA executing similar business retention, public-space activation, and grant administration functions.
• Kalamazoo Downtown Partnership: Kalamazoo's downtown economic development organization coordinating business attraction, events, and placemaking in a comparable mid-sized Michigan city. Directly comparable in mission scope, scale, and Main Street program participation.
• Downtown Grand Rapids Inc. Downtown development organization for Grand Rapids, Michigan — the state's other major Main Street-style urban revitalization authority. Directly comparable as a Michigan-based downtown management organization executing the Four-Point Approach in a competing mid-sized Michigan city.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat4 records

Key risks7 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/downtown-lansing-partnership-inc

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles13 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds2 records

Investors1 record

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about Downtown Lansing