We’re a 501(C)(6)
Non-Profit in
North Dakota
Learn more about the GFDDA.
The Downtown Development Association was founded by a group of downtown enthusiasts who saw the opportunity to enhance the downtown area. The founding members were Jonathan Holth, Sarah Horak, Jill Proctor, Matt Winjum, Anne Zimmer, Nicole Johnson, Matt Norby, Emily Montgomery, Sadie Gardner, Matt Jacobson, David Thompson, Tim Knight, and Jason Schaefer. Since its inception in 2014, the GFDDA has grown to a full time staff of two, a board of fifteen, and is supported by over 60 partners and members from Greater Grand Forks.
Through GFDDA’s numerous events and activities that attract visitors to the area and their advocacy for good urbanist principles to grow the downtown area, there have been major investments to the community that provide many opportunities. The GFDDA has been at the forefront of innovation in the heart of the Grand Forks/East Grand Forks bringing ideas from paper to our streets and activating the underutilized spaces.
Whether you are dancing at a Saturday night concert, shopping at your favorite stores, having dinner at one of our family owned restaurants, or biking on the greenway, you are contributing to the vibrancy of our amazing downtown area.
As always: go grand, go downtown.
Staff
Our office is located in the heart of downtown, at 23 N 3rd St, Suite 2, Grand Forks, ND 58203
Our regular business hours are:
Monday - Friday: 9:00AM - 5:00PM
Office Phone: 701-757-4051
Blue Weber
Executive Director
blue@gfdda.com
Blue brings years of downtown development experience to the DDA including being a co-founder of Alley Alive and NewsGame. His knowledge regarding urban planning and his passion for Grand Forks and East Grand Forks will be great assets for our community and our partners.
Katie Rehder
Marketing + Event Coordinator
katie@gfdda.com
Katie graduated from the University of North Dakota with a BFA in Graphic Design and New Art Media. She has years of experience in design, marketing, and has been actively involved in community events.
Louie
Superdog Intern
interngfdda@gmail.com
Louie isn't just a fluffer, but also a superdog. While saving a dog in the back alley, his super nemesis, diabetes, splashed him in the eyes with acid and left Louie blind. He underwent a superdog change and now has a super sniffer, and can find crumbs better than anyone else. Louie's only weaknesses are good pets, belly rubs, and bumping into mysterious objects.
Board of Directors
Our board consists of movers, shakers, and members of the community that care about creating a healthy and vibrant Downtown Grand Forks.
Sarah Horak
Past President
Brick & Barley, Level 10, O’Really’s Irish Pub
Jill Proctor
President
president@gfdda.org
CVIC
Annie Berge
Vice President
Altru Health Systems
Andrew Budke
Treasurer
JLG Architects
Pat Boppre
Secretary
The Blue Moose Bar & Grill
David C. Thompson
David C. Thompson Law
Margaret Jackson
University of North Dakota
Chris Moen
Alerus Financial
Curtis Regan
Dakota Commercial
Matt Bonzer
Bonzer's Sandwich Pub
Brett Gilbraith
Grand Forks Fence & Deck
Tricia Halvorson-Lunski
HB Sound & Light
Nick Creamer
Brady Martz
Dave Badman
Badman Studio
Carmen Grijalva
Central High School Student
Non-Voting/Honorary Members:
Jonathan Holth
Toasted Frog
Emily Montgomery
Empire Arts Center
Matt Winjum
Rhombus Guys
Nicole Johnson
Kittsona
Anne Zimmer
Avant Hair & Skin Care Studio
Matt Norby
Norby's Work Perks
Jason Schaefer