In 2004 the DDA/TIF (Downtown Development Area/Tax Increment Financing) agreement was put into place and Highland’s DDA was created. The DDA  is a designated area that allows a “capture” of tax dollars to finance projects that encourage economic development. The “capture” of DDA tax dollars is the difference between the 2004 “base” value and today’s “taxable” value.  Only the increase - or decrease is “captured” thus encouraging a motivated DDA board.  This does not increase taxes.  In Highland the DDA “captures” Oakland County and OCC tax dollars that would otherwise go into Oakland county and OCC budgets.  The DDA also “captures” from Highland General, Fire, Police and Library tax dollars.

Some projects financed by the DDA include lamp posts, sidewalks, road paving, signage, business, building facade improvements and community events such as concerts and the December tree lighting.

There is not a township wide millage for the DDA.  Millages are taxed over the entire township.  The DDA capture only affects the parcels within the DDA.  DDA boundaries are up & down Milford Road starting at Wardlow to the North and ending just before Rowe to the South. It also includes the Library to Save- A-Lot along M 59 and on Livingston from the railroad tracks to the Fire Hall.

The goal of a DDA is to encourage economic growth in a designated area resulting in increased value  – hopefully affecting surrounding areas too.