News Summary
Buchanan, Michigan, will receive $2.8 million in grants from the Michigan Economic Development Corporation as part of the Revitalization and Placemaking program. This funding aims to enhance public spaces, support local economic growth, and replace aging infrastructure. A significant grant will be directed toward the Downtown Infrastructure and Placemaking Initiative, contributing to a total project cost of approximately $19.4 million. Additionally, the city is reinstating the Downtown Development Authority to further advance local development efforts.
Buchanan, Michigan to Benefit from $2.8 Million in MEDC Grants
The Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC) has allocated nearly $3 million in funding to three southwest Michigan communities: Buchanan, Cassopolis, and Vicksburg. This funding is part of the Revitalization and Placemaking (RAP) program, which aims to enhance public spaces and spur local economic growth.
Governor Gretchen Whitmer underscored the importance of these investments, stating that they are designed to create vibrant environments that attract talent, add critical housing, enable business development, and provide essential resources for local communities. A total of $2.8 million in grants has been awarded, part of a larger fund of $25 million distributed to approximately 64 projects across 48 communities in Michigan.
Specific Projects Funded
In Buchanan, a significant portion of the funding will be utilized for the Buchanan Downtown Infrastructure and Placemaking Initiative. This initiative focuses on creating new streetscapes that feature widened sidewalks, community branding, and a “living streets” concept as its centerpiece. The city is expected to receive a $1 million grant from the RAP program, contributing to a total project cost of approximately $19.4 million.
This downtown project aims to replace aging infrastructure, including 100-year-old water lines and sewers, and improve landscaping. A highlight of the initiative will be the creation of a “festival street” on Front Street, designed to be curbless, allowing for flexible use by both pedestrians and vehicles. The MEDC grant is anticipated to address a $1.5 million shortfall in the project’s budget, providing some much-needed financial relief.
Additional Details and Developments
In addition to funding initiatives, Buchanan City Commissioners have reinstated the Downtown Development Authority (DDA), which had been disbanded in 2020. This move reflects a commitment to further supporting local development efforts. The commission has amended an ordinance to align with changes in state law regarding the operation of DDAs, and plans to appoint seven members to the new DDA board, along with the mayor and a representative from the Buchanan Area Chamber of Commerce.
The village of Cassopolis will also benefit from the grants, receiving $1.2 million for a downtown facade improvement program, along with a new trail meant to connect downtown to SMART Park and, eventually, to Dr. TK Lawless County Park.
Funding and Application Details
The announcement of the grant awards was made on a Wednesday, with funding derived from the American Rescue Plan. The RAP program received a substantial amount of interest, evidenced by the 81 applications submitted for these funds, of which 21 were awarded to selected initiatives. This competitive nature of the funding underscores the strong leadership within each community, particularly in Buchanan.
Next Steps for Buchanan
The city of Buchanan is currently conducting interviews for the DDA, with plans to announce new board members by May 27. The recent investments and organizational developments signal a proactive approach to revitalizing the community and enhancing the local economy, aligning with the ongoing efforts to create attractive and functional public spaces.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
- WWMT News
- Wikipedia: Buchanan, Michigan
- Leader Publications
- Google Search: Buchanan Michigan
- WSJM News
- Google Scholar: Buchanan Michigan revitalization
- WLNS News
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Michigan communities
- Second Wave Media
- Google News: Michigan revitalization projects
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NOVI STAFF WRITER The NOVI STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HERENovi.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Novi, Oakland County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Motor City Comic Con, Michigan State Fair, and Novi Home and Garden Show. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Novi Chamber of Commerce and Novi Community Foundation, plus leading businesses in automotive, technology, and manufacturing that power the local economy such as Gentherm, Stoneridge, and Daifuku North America. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREDetroitMI.com, HEREGrandRapids.com, HERENorthville.com, and HEREPlymouth.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Michigan's dynamic landscape.
