The short answer is that DDA and the different merchant associations fund the trip. That includes conference registration, hotel, airfare, and a per diem food allowance. DDA is funded through a combination of TIF capture and parking fee revenue. The T in TIF stands for “tax.” To my way of thinking, that makes the DDA an “us” not a “them.”

So if we’re dissatisfied with the way the DDA is spending money, then we can, and should, communicate that to the DDA. DDA contact information is under that link.

Their board meetings are first Wednesday of every month at noon at the DDA Office, 150 S. Fifth Avenue, Suite 301, Ann Arbor 48104. There’s time for public commentary at the start of the meeting (I think you need to sign up for that) as well as at the conclusion.

I think next year’s conference is in Milwaukee. If a contingent from Ann Arbor goes, perhaps The Chronicle can find a way to tag along … or convince an attendee to file live reports for The Chronicle or shoot video, or otherwise amplify whatever the benefit is of attending.

It’s pretty cool these people went to Calgary and paid for the trips themselves. We, the taxpayers didn’t pay for this conference, right?

I’m thinking of the fact …. that we can’t get Stadium cleared of snow (see the coverage: link)