About the Downtown
Fond du Lac Partnership

The Downtown Fond du Lac Partnership (DFP) is a non-profit organization dedicated to bringing people, activity, business and a thriving civic life back to the heart of Fond du Lac. Through strategic marketing and management of downtown's resources, we're working to re-establish downtown as a gathering place in the center of our community. The DFP was formed in 1999 with the creation of our primary funding source, a business improvement district that utilizes an assessment methodology for properties within the district. The DFP serves 225 properties, with 350 businesses.

History of the Downtown Fond du Lac Partnership

For many years, an ad hoc volunteer Central Business Council worked to improve the economy of downtown Fond du Lac. In 1999, the council received approval from downtown property owners to create a Business Improvement District (BID), and the initial Operating Plan was approved by the Fond du Lac City Council. District boundaries are, roughly, Main Street from Follett Street on the north to Ninth Street on the south, and encompassing several side streets east and west of Main. Download the Map

After the passage of the BID, the Downtown Fond du Lac Partnership was launched January 1, 2000. The DFP is governed by a nine-member volunteer Board of Directors. Funded by the special assessment, contributions from the City of Fond du Lac and sponsorships, the DFP works to establish a diverse, prosperous and healthy district that is the social, commercial and cultural heart of our community. Following the creation of the DFP, the Central Business Council disbanded.

In July 2004, Fond du Lac was selected as a Wisconsin Main Street community. The DFP employs one paid staff member, the director, and is organized into volunteer committees that break down the tasks of the organization.