MEDC announces planning grant program for Michigan communities

The Michigan Economic Development Corporation today announced the application process for the Downtown Development Planning Grant program

LANSING– The Michigan Economic Development Corporation today announced the application process for the Downtown Development Planning Grant program aimed at helping Michigan non-entitlement communities develop plans to increase the viability to improve a property, create economic opportunities to revitalize and stimulate job creation and investment within the downtown.  

“Improving our downtowns will ensure the continued vitality of communities and strengthen our ability to attract and retain young professionals and small businesses,” said MEDC President and CEO Michael A. Finney. “This funding will help Michigan communities develop plans for new development and economic growth in their downtowns.”    

The Downtown Development Planning Grant, a Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) program, is designed to provide a planning study that can demonstrate the planning grant will likely lead to an eligible implementation project. The maximum grant that will be awarded to a community is $100,000. A total of $500,000 in grant funds is available through the Downtown Development Planning Grant program.  

The program is intended for Michigan non-entitlement communities – communities that do not receive funding directly from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development.   

Funding priority will be given to projects that have significant local match, demonstrate an impact which will lead to private investment and job creation, and include elements that foster a sense of place in the community.    

All Michigan non-entitlement communities are eligible for funding. For more information on the Downtown Development Planning Grant program, visit here: www.michiganadvantage.org/DPG   

Electronic or hard copy submissions are due by Friday, April 26, 2013 at 5:00 p.m. Applicants must address all items on the Part I application to be considered for funding.    

There will be a question/answer period regarding the application and questions will be accepted until Friday, March 29, 2013. Answers will be posted weekly online at www.michiganadvantage.org/CDBG. Questions should be directed to [email protected].   

About Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC)

The Michigan Economic Development Corporation is the state’s marketing arm and lead advocate for business development, job awareness and community development with the focus on growing Michigan’s economy. For more information on the MEDC and our initiatives, visit www.MichiganBusiness.org. For Pure Michigan® tourism information, your trip begins at www.michigan.org. Join the conversation on: Facebook Instagram LinkedIn, and Twitter.