ANN ARBOR, Mich. – The Michigan Municipal League is excited to announce the four finalists for the 2025 Community Excellence Award (CEA). The Cities of Hart and Negaunee, and the Villages of Milford and Roscommon are moving forward as finalists in this year’s competition.
The CEA was developed in 2007 to celebrate innovative placemaking projects and programs happening across the state. Finalists are determined by a small voting board and compete at the League’s annual Convention gathering, where event attendees will vote for their favorite project.
This year’s Convention is in Grand Rapids at the Amway Grand Plaza, September 17–19. The League looks forward to having each finalist present on the main stage. This winning community receives a large trophy and bragging rights for the year. The official Community Excellence Award will be presented during the closing general session. The League will put out a press release announcing the winner.
Here is a look at this year’s competition:
“The League is thrilled to recognize the amazing work happening in Michigan and would like to thank everyone who entered this year’s competition,” said League Board President and Sault Ste. Marie Mayor Don Gerrie. “This year’s proposals come from small villages and large cities, with diverse populations and resource bases—not to mention both peninsulas. From downtown revitalization to attainable housing to public art, these are all meaningful projects that will uplift and enrich people’s lives. There is no such thing as ‘small’ placemaking; they all bring us one step closer towards healthier, happier, more thriving communities.”
The League received submissions from the following communities: Big Rapids, Birmingham, Douglas, Hart, Mt. Pleasant, Milford, Negaunee, Portage, Roscommon, Southfield, Sparta, Westland, Wyandotte and Ypsilanti. You can learn more about this year’s submissions by visiting the CEA website.
“We’re incredibly thankful to all 14 communities who submitted projects for this year’s awards,” said Heather Elliott, Member Experience Coordinator at the League. “Each submission reflects a deep commitment to their community. We also want to recognize and thank our panel of judges for their thoughtful review. It isn’t easy to choose when everyone is doing such amazing work. A special congratulations to our four finalist communities. Your projects showcase the kind of creativity and impact that moves Michigan forward. We’re excited to celebrate and share more about your work in the months ahead, leading up to Convention in beautiful Grand Rapids.”
For questions about the Community Excellence Award, contact the League’s Heather Elliott, member engagement coordinator, Member Experience and Learning, at 734-669-6362 and helliott@mml.org. For media inquiries, contact the League’s Agnes Krahn, communications associate, at 734-669-6308 and akrahn@mml.org.