Known as Blueprints for Michigan's Downtowns, the program isdesigned to assist downtown leaders with formulating a comprehensive actionplan to address economic development challenges and encourage downtowneconomic growth.

"The success of Michigan's downtowns directly relates to the economicsuccess of the entire state," said Sabrina Keeley, acting CEO ofthe MEDC.

Through a competitive application process, 10 communities will bechosen to receive funding to work with the MEDC and HyettPalma, a nationaldowntown consulting firm, to formulate a downtown economic developmentaction agenda.

The MEDC and MSHDA have committed a total of $200,000 to fund the project.

The formulation of the action agenda will entail assisting thecommunity with defining a long-term economic development vision, conductinga market analysis to determine the potential of the downtown area,formulating a definitive course of action and encouraging the formation of apublic/private management team to implement the action plan.

The term of work for formulating the action plan will take approximatelyfive months. The implementation of the plan is estimated at five years.Applications are due to the MEDC on April 25. MEDC and MSHDA staff memberswill evaluate the applications, with assistance from the MML. The selecteddowntown communities will be announced in late May.

Instant Insights /

New Downtown Redevelopment Initiative Unveiled

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