Meet The DDA Board: David Wilson

Downtowns are more than just a collection of buildings, they’re the identity of a community. We’re excited to spotlight David Wilson, a passionate and engaging DDA board member who also serves as Treasurer. 

What Makes a Downtown Successful?

For Wilson, the answer is simple: businesses that give people a reason to come.

“It’s all about having businesses in a village that make people want to come down,” he explained.

But that hasn’t always been easy for Ortonville. Wilson reflected on what downtown looked like when he was younger: 

When I was 18, downtown had everything, a barber shop, bakery, clothing store, hardware store, bank, library. Everything you needed was right there.”

Over time, however, things changed. As development shifted toward M-15, many businesses followed, and downtown Ortonville began to get bypassed.

“That really took away from the village,” Wilson said.

The Biggest Challenge: Infrastructure

One issue came up again and again in our conversation: sewer infrastructure.

The major stumbling block is no sewers,” Wilson emphasized.

Without proper sewer systems, it’s difficult and sometimes impossible. To attract certain types of businesses, especially restaurants. On top of that, environmental regulations tied to nearby Kearsley Creek add another layer of complexity. While the creek is a valuable natural asset, it also limits development due to water usage restrictions and environmental protections.

“It’s both an asset and a detriment,” Wilson noted.

Working Around Limitations

Despite these challenges, the DDA continues to find ways to bring people into the village.

From sponsoring local events to investing in streetscaping and beautification, their focus is on making downtown more inviting and enjoyable

“We’re always trying to promote and support businesses and give people reasons to come to the village,” Wilson said

These efforts include:

• Community events that draw visitors (even if temporarily)
• Streetscaping and landscaping improvements
• Wayfinding to make downtown more accessible and appealing

One recent project Wilson highlighted was the addition of pickleball courts, replacing an underused skate park. With support from grants, the DDA is even planning to expand with additional courts, small changes that help create activity and community engagement.

Untapped Opportunities in Ortonville

When asked about future potential, Wilson didn’t hesitate.

“A small bakery or coffee shop would be huge,” he said.

With heavy morning traffic heading toward M-15, a drive-through coffee or bakery could capture a steady stream of customers.

“That could be a gold mine,” he added.

There’s also demand on the evening side, through carry out or dine in restaurants.

Another idea? A local sporting goods store.

“Years ago, if you wanted sporting goods, you had to go to Clarkston,” Wilson said. “There’s definitely an opportunity for something like that here again.”

If He Started a Business Today…

Wilson’s answer was clear: “I’d open a sporting goods store.” It’s a business rooted in community need, something practical, local, and capable of bringing consistent traffic back into the village.

The Bigger Picture

While large-scale growth in Ortonville faces real constraints, Wilson made it clear that progress doesn’t always come from massive projects. Sometimes, it’s about smaller, consistent improvements, supporting local businesses, enhancing the downtown experience, and creating reasons for people to return again and again. The vision for Ortonville isn’t about becoming something it’s not, it’s about rebuilding what once made it special.