Revitalization and Placemaking (RAP) Program
The Revitalization and Placemaking program provides access to gap financing for place-based infrastructure development, real estate rehabilitation and development, and public space improvements. Eligible applicants are individuals or entities working to rehabilitate vacant, underutilized, blighted and historic structures and the development of permanent place-based infrastructure associated with traditional downtowns, social-zones, outdoor dining and placed-based public spaces.
Through the Revitalization and Placemaking (RAP) program the MEDC partners with local communities to proactively address revitalization needs by investing in projects that promote population and tax revenue growth. These investments help create the environment necessary to attract and retain talent, add new housing options, enable business creation and attraction, and provide resources for Michigan citizens and communities.
Performance-based RAP grants are currently available for real estate redevelopment projects and can be applied for on a rolling basis as funds are available. View guidelines for the RAP program HERE. The RAP application can be downloaded HERE. Questions about the RAP program may be directed to [email protected]. You can also visit miplace.org for Place Incentives Guidance and more information about resources that support the growth of vibrant, diverse and resilient communities across the state.
The application period for the most recent round of performance-based, public space place-based infrastructure projects and façade program implementation closed on January 30, 2025. Application evaluation is in process and awards will be announced later this spring. An archive of Frequently Asked Questions can be found HERE.
RAP Program Background
The first iteration of the Revitalization and Placemaking (RAP) Program, launched in 2022, was an incentive program that deployed $100 million in American Rescue Plan funding to address the COVID-19 impacts in Michigan communities. The 2022 program, referred to as RAP 1.0, has selected successful applicants. With all ARPA funds encumbered, projects will be in progress through 2026.
The second round of the Revitalization and Placemaking program, referred to as RAP 2.0, received an appropriation of $100 million in the budget supplemental SB 7 signed by Gov. Whitmer on Feb. 1, 2023, demonstrating the great need identified for placemaking and building rehabilitation investment. As part of RAP 1.0, MEDC received approximately $500 million in applications for $100 million in appropriated funding.
Future Revitalization and Placemaking Program funding is dependent on the availability of income tax revenue deposited into the Revitalization and Placemaking Fund and appropriated for this program as described in Section 696 of the Income Tax Act of 1967. Awards may be made based on individual applications or based on funding rounds.
Learn more about the RAP legacy programs and compliance below. For additional questions or to learn more information on RAP programs contact your community development manager.
