In 1975, the Michigan Legislature created Act 197, which allows communities to establish a Downtown Development Authority. According to the Act, the purpose of a DDA includes:

• Correcting and preventing deterioration in business districts.
• Encouraging historic preservation.
• Authorizing the creation and implementation of development plans in the districts.
• Promoting the economic growth of the districts.
• Creating a Downtown Development Authority Board.

DDAs may raise revenue for physical improvements through tax increment financing, issuing revenue bonds, tax levy, grants, sales of property and tax increment income.

The primary goal of the Commerce Township Downtown Development Authority is to promote the economic health and stability of the Township. 

.:Mission

• To improve the long-term economic viability, environmental integrity, and overall vitality of our community for both the citizens and businesses in the area.

.:Objectives

• Protect and enhance the long term economic stability of the Township.
• Provide for an adequate tax base to support public services.
• Enhance the quality of life of Commerce Township citizens.

The Commerce Township DDA was formed in 1985 and at that time, 50 percent of the total land within the downtown district was identified as “vacant” land inside all zoning categories. Seventeen percent of the remaining land within the downtown district was designated for recreational use. Only 25 percent of the land, which was designated for commercial or industrial use in the master plan, was being used for those purposes. 

In the 20 years since the DDA was established, the number of residents in the downtown district has significantly increased. The estimated population in the downtown district in 1984 was approximately 90 residents. In 2003, the population had grown to more than 600. The commercial development has increased significantly along with a significantly improved employment base. 

Over the past 20 years, the DDA has worked hard to meet the needs of this growing population. Some highlights include:

• In 1985 the DDA began a water system which has since been expanded to the four corners of the township.
• In 1990 the DDA began construction on a sanitary sewer system including an addition to the waste water treatment plant.
• In 1998 the DDA began to focus on relieving the traffic congestion in the area around Pontiac Trail, Haggerty Road, 14 Mile Road, 15 Mile Road and Richardson Roads.
• In 2003, a traffic study requested by the DDA determined the need and means for alleviating massive traffic congestion at the M-5/Pontiac Trail intersection. Improvements to Haggerty Road from Union Lake Road to 14 Mile Road were also part of the DDA’s plan, as well as additional public and/or private roads and the extension of Martin Road.
• In 2003, the DDA purchased Huron Clinton Metropolitan Authority lands adjacent to El Dorado which provided the funds necessary for the Township to purchase the 70± acres of Dodge Park 5 lands from the Michigan Department of Transportation.
• In 2003, the DDA bought the El Dorado and the Links at Pinewood Golf Courses which will provide for the extension of Martin Road to Pontiac Trail.
• In 2004 the DDA made plans to provide for a new township hall and a library as well as a performing arts, theatre and cultural center in the downtown area.
• In 2005 the new Township Library opened, located at the El Dorado clubhouse. The Township Board is preparing for plans to move to a new Town Hall at the Links of Pinewood clubhouse.
• In 2005, Johnson, Johnson and Roy (JJR) were engaged by the DDA to prepare a Master Plan for the 340 acre Downtown Development.
• In 2005 plans for the Martin Road extension to Pontiac Trail were submitted to the Road Commission of Oakland County.
• In 2005 engineering plans for the widening of Haggerty Road from Crumb Road to Richardson Road were nearly completed.
• In 2005 the DDA acquired several strategic parcels of land in the DDA Development area.