Last year (2023) was a year of significant growth for the Van Buren DDA district. With the support of the DDA and Van Buren Township Board of Trustees, the newly appointed director, Merrie Coburn, worked tirelessly to secure grants, contributing to the district's improvement and future sustainability.

Visit www.vanburendda.com for the 2023 Annual Report to learn more about the projects and improvements the DDA has orchestrated and additional projects currently underway.

As the year progressed, Van Buren's DDA introduced a series of new events and initiatives that brought the community together. The fall season was marked by various food trucks, offering residents a taste of diverse culinary delights and creating a vibrant atmosphere in the district.

This winter's first "Light Up the Park" event was a remarkable success. Attended by a large crowd and elected officials, Harris Park was transformed into a magical winter wonderland, much to the delight of residents, especially children. The Belleville Community Chorus sang Christmas carols to kick off this event, illuminating the park and the hearts of community members.

Santa Paws’s debut at DDA was also a resounding success, with 27 well-mannered dogs attending. The photographers and participants were overwhelmed by so much cuteness. Wolfie, a charming Pomeranian, emerged as the undisputed social media darling.

The DDA also introduced the Business Banner program, which gave local businesses a platform to showcase their services.

Looking into the future, the DDA is already laying the groundwork for an even more bustling 2024. One of the key initiatives is the establishment of a unified community calendar on tricommunities.com. This platform aims to synchronize events across neighboring communities, ensuring residents enjoy a seamless and diverse range of activities without overlapping schedules, symbolizing the tri-community's unity and collaborative spirit.

Residents are encouraged to engage with the Van Buren DDA through social media to stay updated on upcoming events and initiatives.

In a statement reflecting on her first year working for Van Buren Township DDA, Colburn expressed her deep appreciation for the community.

"This past year at Van Buren Township has been a journey of discovery and fulfillment,” she said. “As 2024 unfolds, the community can look forward to more innovative events, continued growth and a strengthening of the bonds that make Van Buren Township a special place to live, work and play.”

The VBT DDA, under Colburn’s leadership, is not just growing it's thriving, with a renewed sense of purpose and community spirit.