Kim Rivera has always been about the big picture – whether it’s branding, marketing, placemaking, revitalizing – anything she’s involved with. Sheeither has a plan or is working on one.

As the new director of the South Lyon Downtown Development Authority, that’s a good thing.

“In this new position, I have an eye on not only the businesses in the DDA, but economic development in the whole city – shaping the future together and revitalizing the historic buildings,” Rivera said. “And it’s very exciting.”

Rivera is already very familiar with the area – she grew up in Northville and graduated from Northville High School, before moving to Highland where her grandparents would vacation. She built a house on Duck Lake, on the property where they had dreamed of building a summer cottage, and she also built a house on White Lake.

She ran her business out of downtown Milford for many years before moving to California.

Now she’s back after almost 15 years out west, and she’s ready to jump in and help highlight South Lyon, its businesses and the whole area in general.

“This is a very happy new chapter for me,” she said.Since her first day on the job on September 22, Rivera has been busy meeting merchants and learning their needs.

“I’m telling them that I’m in this, I’m home, and I’m building these relationships right from the beginning,” she said.

Elevating South Lyon as a destination for businesses and events is well within Rivera’s wheelhouse. Over the course of 30 years, she has helped more than 50 organizations, economic development departments and downtown development authorities across Michigan and California.

Rivera subscribes to the Main Street America Four-Point Approach, which focuses on:
1. Design
2. Promotion
3. Organization
4. Economic Vitality

All of it ties into placemaking, turning any given place into one where people want to go and spend time – a home away from home. The way to do that, Rivera said, is to get valuable input from both residents and business owners, and work as a team.

Downtown South Lyon has the historical charm that many other areas don’t, and Rivera is excited to jump in and help celebrate that.

“The architecture, landscape, benches, artwork, new murals – it’s all about making a place you want to go to,” she said.

She’s also excited about what the future holds – even with the challenges she knows the Pontiac Trail construction will bring to the area.

“I’m excited for this, because it’s an investment, and it needs to be done,” she said.

So whereas other cities might cut down on events during construction, Rivera is looking forward to adding more events next year, to keep people coming to the city.

“We’re adding on to what is already here,” she said. “We want to keep things fun and family oriented.”

Rivera believes more restaurants and retail and a boutique market would enhance the downtown, but it all comes down to the community research that’s ongoing.

“Research for branding is like a blind date,” Rivera said. “It’s all about asking questions and uncovering the core essence.”

Some questions that Rivera would like answered from residents are “What’s your favorite memory of South Lyon?” and “What about South Lyon makes you smile?”

All in all, Rivera is grateful for the opportunity to be home, and she looks forward to what comes next.

“Building relationships is who I am at my core,” she said. “I’m just excited to be here, put down roots, and put my collaborative leadership style to work.”