Six Michigan communities awarded placemaking grants through Michigan Talent Partnership Program

LANSING, Mich. - Today, the Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC) announced the six communities receiving over $23.9 million in total grant funding through the Michigan Talent Partnership (MTP) Program. Ann Arbor, Detroit, Grand Rapids, Houghton, Lansing, and Mt. Pleasant will each receive support for transformational public space projects aimed at attracting and retaining talent while also creating business opportunities for their residents. All awards will be structured as performance-based grants with milestones and reporting requirements.

Administered by the MEDC and supported by the Department of Labor and Economic Opportunity (LEO), funding through the MTP Program will help increase density, walkability, and vibrancy in the awardees' communities. Projects include a farmer's market pavilion, streetscape and sidewalk improvements, incubator spaces, small business and entrepreneurial support, and parks.

"The Michigan Talent Partnership Program is a shining example of how the MEDC's placemaking efforts contribute to the vibrancy and economic prosperity of our communities across the state," said the MEDC's SVP of Community Planning and Development Readiness Michele Wildman. "These grants will help improve the quality of life for residents of Ann Arbor, Detroit, Grand Rapids, Houghton, Lansing, and Mt. Pleasant, while also attracting new talent and increased activity."

"Michigan's future depends on strong communities and a growing population," said Jonathan Smith, senior chief deputy director for LEO. "The Michigan Talent Partnership is about giving local leaders the tools to attract people, create opportunity, and build places where young people want to put down roots. When we invest in communities, we invest in Michigan's long-term growth."

Michigan Talent Partnership Program Awardees

Local Support

Ann Arbor:

"We are grateful to the State of Michigan for this investment in Ann Arbor and for recognizing the connection between talent, place, and opportunity. Ann Arbor offers an exceptionally high quality of life, and this grant helps ensure that more people, and a wider range of people, can both experience and contribute to that vitality by strengthening downtown as a place to live, work, and belong," said Mayor Christopher Taylor."We hope the success of this program demonstrates its value and supports continued investment in the years ahead."

Detroit:

"The advancement of the Livernois Streetscape Extension, supported by more than $4.3 million from the Michigan Talent Partnership program, is exciting news for our community," said State Rep. Helena Scott (D-Detroit). "This project has already strengthened our neighborhoods through new business and opportunity, and this investment will help carry that momentum forward."

"This grant will help fund new community-focused enhancements on Livernois that will connect the existing Livernois streetscape with the W. McNichols streetscape and help to better connect university students to the overall community," said Alexa Bush, director of the City of Detroit's Planning & Development Department. "The new project will be constructed on Livernois, between McNichols and Clarita streets, and will include amenities that are designed to attract and retain talented workers in our city."

Grand Rapids:

"This $4.3 million Michigan Talent Partnership grant will help us leverage existing and future investments in the Monroe North neighborhood and will accelerate our development and growth as we continue to become a vibrant and connected city. This will help foster additional investment in public infrastructure, jobs, and housing," said City Manager Mark Washington.

"The Monroe North Talent Plan is about more than infrastructure, it's about creating an ecosystem where people and businesses succeed together," said Sarah Rainero, economic development director for the City of Grand Rapids. "With one of the highest concentrations of young professionals in our city, this district is primed for continued growth. These improvements will unlock opportunities for locally owned businesses, enhance quality of life, and strengthen our ability to attract and retain the next generation of talent."

Houghton:

"Houghton City leadership and staff have worked diligently to meet the requirements for this funding and it's paid off," said Rep. Greg Markkanen. "It will have a huge impact on the local economy, and we are grateful for their dedication."

"I'm thankful for the Michigan Economic Development Corporation's ongoing investment in placemaking projects for the Houghton community, this time through the Michigan Talent Partnership Program," said State Sen. Ed McBroom. "These projects will improve the quality of life for our local residents and attract businesses to the area. I look forward to seeing how these projects come to life and make a difference in Houghton."

"We're absolutely thrilled and so grateful for this support," said Eric Waara, city manager. "These funds will be used for multiple projects to further improve our public spaces. Downtown and crosstown nonmotorized mobility will be better year-round. Visitor and shopper experience will be enhanced with more public gathering and restroom space. Small non-high tech startup businesses will have access to space and resources to launch and grow where they can eventually take their place alongside our other downtown businesses in their own spaces. For years the city has worked to build those spaces that make us the place where people want to be. The waterfront and its connection to our downtown, our parks, and the proximity to MTU all make us a nice place to live and a great place to do business."

"We are so happy to see MEDC's continued faith in Houghton," said Mayor Robert Backon. "Their support and investment in us over the years has made our community a better place all around."

Lansing:

"Investing in and creating vibrant, welcoming, walkable communities are key components of attracting and retaining talent across our great state. As Senate Appropriations Chair, our goal when establishing the Michigan Talent Partnership Program was to do just that," said State Senator Sarah Anthony, Senate Appropriations Chairwoman. "Anyone who has been to REO Town knows it is a perfect example of that vision in action, and I believe it holds tremendous untapped potential. From the vibrant cultural festivals to the unique thrift stores and independent restaurants, REO Town is increasingly becoming the place to be for young professionals, artists, and entrepreneurs. This $4.35 million investment will focus on critical improvements that will enhance connectivity, improve wayfinding and lighting, and support local small businesses and entrepreneurs. I look forward to the positive impact this investment will make here in Lansing and in other central cities across our state."

"It's important that we grow Lansing; all of Lansing. REO Town is an incredible up-and-coming part of our city and we're meeting our commitment to add public infrastructure and more amenities for people to use this as a popular business district," said Mayor Andy Schor.

"The Lansing EDC is excited to continue working with the neighborhood and the REO Town Commercial Association to bring their vision to life," said Shelley Davis Boyd, LBRA/LEDC board chair.

Mt. Pleasant:

"We are thrilled to learn about the approval of $2.79 million in grant funding through the MEDC MI Talent Partnership Program to the City of Mt. Pleasant," said City of Mt. Pleasant staff. "This investment marks a transformative milestone for our community, paving the way for a state-of-the-art multi-use pavilion for our farmer's market and other events throughout the year. With the addition of a commercial kitchen incubator space, we are not only supporting local farmers and vendors but also fostering innovation and collaboration within our agricultural sector. This market will serve as a vibrant hub for fresh produce, local goods, and community gatherings, enhancing the quality of life for all residents and visitors, and helping retain existing and attract new talent to Mt. Pleasant. This was truly a close collaboration between the Mid-Michigan Development Corporation and the City Manager's Office, and Planning & Community Development, Parks & Recreation, Building Safety, and City Engineering Departments, with assistance of the City's Grant Coordinator and Communications Coordinator. For that, this grant also brings pride to staff, who are looking forward to watching this project come to life and witness the positive impact it will have on our economy and community spirit!"

"This project will be a transformative investment for Isabella County," said Rep. Jerry Neyer (District 92). "A permanent farmers market pavilion will expand retail opportunities for local producers, and small businesses, while the incubator kitchen will provide food producers with access to shared commercial kitchen space, equipment, and technical support that will lower startup costs and help small farmers enter their products into the marketplace. Building on the work of the House Agriculture Committee to support the cottage food industry, this funding further reflects a shared commitment to community-driven development in the agriculture space."

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: FacebookInstagramLinkedIn, and Twitter.