Knowledge • News • Insights

In Partnership With

AP Lazer: Leading the Way

MEDC | This Just In: Gov. Gretchen Whitmer Announces Three Communities Chosen for Select Level of the Michigan Main Street Program

this-just-in-govd_original

Adrian, Coldwater, and Rogers City join 24 other Michigan communities taking a strategic approach to revitalizing their downtowns and commercial districts

Downtown Adrian

Downtown Adrian

On Thursday, October 28 Governor Gretchen Whitmer joined the Michigan Economic Development Corporation to announce that the cities of Adrian, Coldwater and Rogers City have been selected by the MEDC to take part in the Select Level of the Michigan Main Street program.

As part of the Select Level of Michigan Main Street, these three communities will receive five years of intensive technical assistance from MEDC with a focus on revitalization strategies designed to attract new residents, business investments, economic growth and job creation to their central business districts.

“Now more than ever, it is vital that our communities take a common-sense approach toward strengthening their core commercial districts and driving growth in the community as Michigan’s economic recovery continues,” said Gov. Whitmer. “With the support of the Main Street program and the MEDC, I believe we can positively transform the downtowns and commercial districts in communities to ensure their place on Michigan’s path toward our future.”

Downtown Coldwater

Downtown Coldwater

The Michigan Main Street Program aims to create communities distinguished by a “sense of place.” The rationale is based on a range of studies that show investing in creating a “sense of place” is an integral part of developing vibrant downtowns and commercial districts, thereby making the state economically stronger and culturally diverse. To view a map of the current Michigan Main Street communities, visit here.

“Programs like Michigan Main Street provide communities with the tools needed to create jobs, provide desirable places to live and build a sense of place for Michigan residents. I look forward to seeing how these three communities will grow within the next five years,” said MEDC Senior Vice President Michele Wildman.

Downtown Rogers City

Downtown Rogers City

Over the past year, Michigan Main Street communities generated more than $26 million in private investment, 127 new businesses and 143 façade improvements and building rehabilitations. Since its inception in 2003, Michigan Main Street has been a catalyst for job growth, private investment and community engagement. From 2003 through 2019, 1,622 businesses have been launched, with a total public investment of more than $128 million and total private investment of $346 million. In addition, 37,197 volunteer hours were recorded in 2021 in the task of revitalizing downtowns across the state.

To learn more about the communities and how they were chosen visit here.

To learn more about the Michigan Main Street program, visit here.

To learn more about MEDC’s community development programs, visit here.

What's Hot

Get the latest news from MBN right in your inbox

Sign up for our newsletter and never miss a beat.