FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

May 7, 2025 

Contact: [email protected] 

Gov. Whitmer Announces $25 Million in Statewide Placemaking Grants to Support Vibrant Communities, Encourage Population Growth  

Placemaking and development projects across Michigan’s 10 prosperity regions will receive support from the MEDC’s Revitalization and Placemaking program 

LANSING, Mich. – Governor Gretchen Whitmer joined the Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC) today in announcing approval of $25 million in grant funding for projects across the state of Michigan through the Revitalization and Placemaking program, which supports community revitalization needs in Michigan communities by investing in projects that promote population and tax revenue growth. 

This latest round of RAP funding is being awarded to 27 applications and will support approximately 64 projects in 48 communities throughout the state, leveraging over $120 million in total investment in public spaces. The MEDC’s Place, Programs and Services team received 81 applications with a total funding request of $83,125,309, reflecting the continued interest and demand for resources that support the growth of vibrant, diverse, and resilient communities across the state.  

“Today’s grants underscore our commitment to the state’s Make It in Michigan economic development strategy, supporting the People, Places, and Projects that are integral to the growth of Michigan’s economy,” said Gov. Whitmer. “These investments will help create vibrant places that attract and retain talent, add critical housing, enable business creation and attraction, and provide resources for Michiganders and our communities. I will work with anyone and do anything to continue getting things done for our state.”  

Administered by MEDC, the RAP 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. 

“The MEDC is proud to celebrate the places that make our state great and excited to see the impact these RAP grants have on our communities,” said MEDC Chief Place Officer Michele Wildman. “Thanks to Governor Whitmer and the Michigan legislature’s support for this program, the revitalization and placemaking efforts in communities across our two peninsulas will create meaningful opportunity for every Michigander who calls our state home.” 

The range of projects awarded across the state highlights the importance of placemaking in supporting the growth and vibrancy of Michigan’s communities.  

RAP-Support Project Highlights 

The Main Street Park Alliance in the City of Chelsea will be awarded $1,000,000 to complete The Main Street Park Project, a collaborative effort to transform a 25-year vacant blighted brownfield site into a 2.82-acre vibrant community park in Chelsea’s historic downtown commercial district.   

The site, formerly used for industrial purposes, has been vacant and fenced off for decades. The redevelopment of this property into a new public space will create a valuable community asset that aligns with broader community development and economic development goals.   

“The Main Street Park Project will convert a blighted and contaminated property in Downtown Chelsea into a vibrant public space that will help the community to achieve its environmental, recreational, and economic goals,” said Chelsea City Manager Marty Colburn. “Many generations will benefit from this park’s impact on our community’s vitality. The City of Chelsea appreciates the Main Street Park Alliance, community members and the State of Michigan for all the support and effort to take on such an impactful project.”    

“I know how important it is to have a place where families can come together, where kids can play safely, and where everyone feels welcome,” said State Representative Kathy Schmaltz (R-Jackson). “Main Street Park will be that special place for Chelsea — a space that reflects the heart of the community. So many people have come together to bring this vision to life. I support this, and I’m glad the state is stepping up to support it too.” 

“The old Federal Screw Works property sat vacant and contaminated, unusable for many years. With the support of this grant, the City of Chelsea will complete the fabulous and long-awaited Main Street Park project, revitalizing a key space in the heart of its historic downtown,” said State Senator Sue Shink (D-Northfield Twp.). “I thank Gov. Whitmer and the Michigan Economic Development Corporation for recognizing the importance of this investment and supporting the creative energy of our community.”  

The City of Buchanan will be awarded $1,000,000 to support the Buchanan Downtown Infrastructure and Placemaking Initiative. The new streetscapes and Adaptive Street portions of the project total over 50,000 sq. ft. of enhanced sense of place within the community. The area will be transformed with widened sidewalks, new amenities, community branding and a new "living streets" concept that will be a centerpiece of the project and will focus on community engagement and flexibility in the use of public space.   

“The Buchanan Downtown Infrastructure and Placemaking Initiative is the culmination of several years of community engagement focused on investing in and preserving our central business district,” said Matt Weedon, Mayor of the City of Buchanan. “The new streetscape and public amenities will create space for community engagement with functional improvements that beautify the space and provide opportunities for flexibility of community and business use.” 

Lake Superior Community Partnership will be awarded $964,176.71 to administer a subgrant program that will support multiple façade improvement projects in Marquette, Ishpeming, and Negaunee.  

The Anderson Building Façade project is part of Ishpeming’s vision for economic transformation by targeting key commercial properties. By upgrading façades, the initiative contributes to the city’s aesthetic appeal and supports efforts to develop a robust local economy, attracting professionals seeking quality jobs and a welcoming community. 

“The Lake Superior Community Partnership RAP subgrant projects are strategically aligned with ongoing efforts to revitalize and enhance the infrastructure ecosystems within the Marquette Downtown Development Authority, City of Negaunee, and City of Ishpeming,” said Christopher Germain, CEO at Lake Superior Community Partnership. “By complementing existing investments, these improvements aim to create vibrant, appealing spaces that foster economic growth and attract a talented workforce. Collectively, these façade improvements build upon established momentum creating environments that foster innovation, collaboration, and economic resilience.” 

“I’m so glad we could secure these state dollars for the Lake Superior Community Partnership,” said State Representative Karl Bohnak (R-Negaunee). It’s great to see the U.P. get some consideration when these funding decisions are made. This grant will allow the partnership to continue its great work of helping our business communities and public spaces across the U.P. This funding will help rehabilitate old structures and public spaces and transform into highlights of our communities.” 

Learn more about the MEDC’s Revitalization and Placemaking program. 

###