Michigan Placemaking Grants – $25M Spent to Make Towns Instagram-Worthy

Governor Whitmer announced $25 million in placemaking grants to revitalize 48 Michigan communities, enhancing public spaces and boosting local economies, with projects like Main Street Park in Chelsea and infrastructure improvements in Buchanan.

Gov. Whitmer awards $25M statewide Michigan placemaking grants, enhancing public spaces and driving economic growth across Michigan’s communities.

Statewide Placemaking Grants Energize Michigan Communities

Governor Gretchen Whitmer and the Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC) announced the awarding of $25 million in placemaking grants aimed at revitalizing communities, boosting local economies, and encouraging population growth across Michigan. This funding is part of the MEDC’s Revitalization and Placemaking (RAP) program and is set to support 64 projects in 48 Michigan communities, leveraging over $120 million in total public investment.

“Today’s grants underscore our commitment to the state’s Make It in Michigan economic development strategy,” Gov. Whitmer stated. “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.”

Michigan Placemaking Grants Transform Chelsea’s Blighted Areas

One major beneficiary is the Main Street Park Alliance in Chelsea, awarded $1 million. This grant will transform a vacant and contaminated former industrial site into the vibrant 2.82-acre Main Street Park. The redevelopment project aims to revitalize Chelsea’s historic downtown, aligning with community environmental, recreational, and economic goals.

Chelsea City Manager Marty Colburn praised the initiative: “Many generations will benefit from this park’s impact on our community’s vitality.” State Representative Kathy Schmaltz (R-Jackson) echoed these sentiments, highlighting the project’s community value.

State Senator Sue Shink (D-Northfield Twp.) noted, “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.”

Michigan Placemaking Grants Enhance Buchanan’s Downtown Infrastructure

The City of Buchanan also received a substantial $1 million grant for its Downtown Infrastructure and Placemaking Initiative. This project focuses on creating “living streets” with enhanced streetscapes, wider sidewalks, community branding, and flexible public spaces totaling more than 50,000 sq. ft. Mayor Matt Weedon stated this initiative represents years of community planning aimed at revitalizing Buchanan’s central business district.

Michigan Placemaking Grants Invest in Upper Peninsula Revitalization

The Lake Superior Community Partnership secured approximately $964,177 to improve building façades across Marquette, Ishpeming, and Negaunee. Christopher Germain, CEO of the partnership, emphasized the strategic nature of these improvements, stating they will “create vibrant, appealing spaces that foster economic growth and attract a talented workforce.”

State Representative Karl Bohnak (R-Negaunee) acknowledged the significance of this grant: “It’s great to see the U.P. get some consideration when these funding decisions are made. This funding will help rehabilitate old structures and transform public spaces into community highlights.”

Michigan Placemaking Grants Offer Long-Term Community Benefits

Administered by the MEDC, the RAP program provides essential gap financing for projects that rehabilitate underutilized structures and create public spaces designed to stimulate local economies and enhance community life. According to Michele Wildman, Chief Place Officer at MEDC, these efforts create meaningful opportunities across Michigan.

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