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MEDC Revitalization and Placemaking (RAP) Program and CDBG Public Gathering Spaces Initiative Announced

Posted on December 20, 2021 by Dene Westbrook

The Michigan Strategic Fund (MSF) recently approved program guidelines for American Rescue Plan funding appropriated to the Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC) back in the fall.

The Revitalization and Placemaking (RAP) program utilizes $100 million in federal American Rescue Plan dollars to support investments that will repurpose vacant, underutilized, blighted or historic buildings and place-based infrastructure.

The RAP program will allow individual projects to apply for up to $5 million in support of their efforts to revitalize these now vacant spaces, while regional partners may also apply for up to $20 million to implement programs in support of their own local or regional revitalization strategies.

The program is intended to address a rise in vacancy rates throughout Michigan’s downtowns and commercial districts as the number of offices transitioning to remote or hybrid work settings increases, and investment is needed to repurpose or renovate buildings and regain vitality. More information can be found at https://www.michiganbusiness.org/rap/.

 

CDBG Public Gathering Spaces Initiative

The Public Gathering Spaces Initiative is a new program that supports the creation and expansion of public gathering spaces in low- and moderate-income communities across the state, supporting efforts that allow residents to gather, relax, celebrate and commemorate safely together.

This program will provide grants between $200,000 to $1 million for projects like farmers markets, parks, town squares, playgrounds and amphitheaters. The program addresses the shift toward a greater interest in and use of outdoor public spaces, recognizing the immense value they provide for community members of all ages and backgrounds to gather year-round. More information can be found at https://www.miplace.org/pgsi/.

 

Jennifer Rigterink is a legislative associate for the League handling economic development, land use and municipal services issues.  She can be reached at [email protected] or 517-908-0305.

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