TRAVERSE CITY -- Traverse City’s mayor has some big decisions to make when it comes to the future of the downtown area.

Mayor Chris Bzdok has to fill three seats on the Downtown Development Authority Board, an unusually large number of openings to fill. He says it’s one of the most influential board and has more discretionary funds to spend in the next five years than any other city board. Options for where to spend the money include some of the highest profile locations in the city.

Bzdok says, “There’s going to be a need to shepherd that capitol fund in a way that maximizes and benefits Traverse City and prioritizes projects because there’s a lot more to do than money to do it.”

As the downtown grows, city leaders are pinpointing areas that need makeovers. Most recently the DDA made a big investment to the bayfront by forking over $100,000 to draw blue prints.

DDA Executive Director, Rob Bacigalupi says, “That’s going to be moving ahead at least in pieces.”

And members who sit on the DDA board will decide where to begin. Another project on the list is the alley behind the 200 block of Front Street.

Bzdok says, “That alley is in desperate need of work.”

With grants denied by the government among other issues, the project is currently at a standstill. In the next year or so that could change if the DDA’s board chooses to move forward with enhancements.

Bacigulupi says, "It’s a fun board because of the importance of downtown. You have a great impact.”