Blueprints for Michigan's Downtowns

IRONWOOD, MI - Saturday, Januray 24, 2009 - There have been several references to the Cool Cities Blueprints for Michigan's Downtowns (commonly known as the Ironwood Blueprints Program) in the local media recently. Now that Ironwood has been approved in the program and work is set to begin on it, there will be more and more articles on the subject. The information below describes the program.

Overview

Cool Cities Blueprints for Michigan's Downtowns takes a comprehensive, market-driven approach toward developing an action-oriented, downtown economic enhancement strategy. The Cool Cities Blueprints for Michigan's Downtowns is designed to develop an action strategy that will, over a five-year period of implementation, move your community's traditional downtown toward economic enhancement. Measurable results that will be tracked include the creation of new private jobs and private investment in the downtown. Process for the Cool Cities Blueprints for Michigan's Downtowns program will be highly inclusive utilizing local volunteers and town hall meeting formats, will take approximately three months to complete, and will result in the issuance of an action strategy.

The MEDC and MSHDA will contract with a nationally recognized consulting firm to create downtown action strategies for up to ten Michigan communities. This consulting firm will specialize in the economic enhancement of downtowns and older business districts. The MEDC and MSHDA selected Hyett-Palmer to be Ironwood's consultant.

In addition to the intense process facilitated by nationally known experts in downtown revitalization and the issuance of an action strategy, the selected communities will also realize special consideration under some MEDC and MSHDA programs targeted at neighborhood and downtown revitalization. Also, in the summer of 2005, representatives from the selected communities will be invited to attend a State Resource Fair. At this Fair, state agency staff set up booths and are available to discuss resources listed in the State Resource Toolbox, as well as, concepts and projects with representatives from selected applicants/communities.

What is Available?

Cool Cities Blueprints for Michigan's Downtowns is a 50/50 match grant.

  1. Community population size under 7,500 will pay $15,000.
  2. Communities between 7,501-15,000 will pay $20,000.
  3. Communities between 15,001-30,000 will pay $25,000.
  4. A community over 30,001 will pay $32,500

Goal

To make Michigan's downtowns wonderful places to live, work, and play. This will be accomplished by developing an action strategy that will, over a five-year period of implementation, move your community's traditional downtown toward economic enhancement.

Objectives of MEDC

  1. Select ten communities each year to participate in the program.
  2. Provide networking opportunities with other participating communities.

Eligible Communities

Any city, township, or village that maintains an active downtown business organization and has a traditional downtown or traditional commercial center.