The Traverse City Downtown Development Authority (DDA) has postponed its search for a new executive director after city commissioners rejected the DDA budget this week, putting the DDA on track for a shutdown July 1 unless a new budget is approved. 

"Without having an approved DDA budget, in good conscience, we cannot proceed with interviews for the position of DDA executive director at this time," said Todd McMillen, DDA board member and governance committee chair. "Welcoming and showcasing our community to professionals with such uncertainty overshadowing the search process is less than ideal. We regret this delay, but I am confident in this decision given the circumstances."

Board members were originally set to interview three finalists Friday for the position (one finalist, Holly Ball, previously withdrew from consideration). Those interviews are now canceled. 

According to a release from Double Haul Solutions, the consulting firm hired to lead the search process, the DDA "remains dedicated to finding the right candidate for its executive director position. The board plans to reengage in the search process once operational budget certainty has been reestablished and they have had the opportunity to discuss how to proceed. Once determined, additional information on next steps will be provided to the community."