The Village of Hopkins Downtown Development Authority was established on August 8, 1983. A development plan for the downtown district was adopted on May 14, 1984. Though the early years of the DDA were fraught with disagreement and opposition between the Village and the United Railroad Corporation, the DDA continued in its mission and objective to stabilize conditions for those residing in Hopkins, to assist businesses in locating or expanding, and to improve the quality of life for the Village of Hopkins.

You can read more about the initial development/tax increment finance plan here.

The Hopkins Village DDA continues to exist to support and improve the DDA district in the Village of Hopkins. Comprising roughly 85-90 acres within the Village, the DDA District approximately includes much of the downtown area on Mainstreet, from the Hopkins District Library to around Cherry Street, the West side of Cherry Street as it runs north, following the river through to the North park on Jefferson Street.

DDA improvements to this area include sidewalk updates, tree removal and replanting, parking lot updates, signage, and multiple projects to improve North Park. The DDA has also sponsored many local events, including the annual Village Clean-up in the spring, 4th of July festivities, the Tree-lighting ceremony, and the Strongman Competition.

The DDA’s members include two (2) representatives from the Village Council, the Village President, a non-voting member, and multiple business owners or representatives from area businesses.