The $15,000 grant requires a $15,000 match from the city. Thecity council voted to commit matching funds from the DowntownDevelopment Authority in July. The grant is administered byMichigan Economic Development Corp., Michigan State HousingDevelopment Authority and Michigan Municipal League.

"We're all really excited," city manager Deborah Nier says."It's a good positive step for Wayland."

Under terms of the grant agreement, the city will form acommittee to do research for the study. A Downtown Task Committee,made up of members from the DDA, the planning commission, citycouncil and Wayland Area Chamber of Commerce will serve as thatcommitteeand collect data and information about the city of Waylandfor HyettPalma. HyettPalma is one of the nation's top consultingfirms that centers its business on developing strategies torevitalize and develop economic growth in deterioratingDowntowns.