The Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC) announced the six communities receiving over $23.9 million in total grant funding through the Michigan Talent Partnership (MTP) Program. Ann Arbor, Detroit, Grand Rapids, Houghton, Lansing, and Mt. Pleasant will each receive support for transformational public space projects aimed at attracting and retaining talent while also creating business opportunities for their residents. All awards will be structured as performance-based grants with milestones and reporting requirements.
Administered by the MEDC and supported by the Department of Labor and Economic Opportunity (LEO), funding through the MTP Program will help increase density, walkability, and vibrancy in the awardees’ communities. Projects across the state include a farmer’s market pavilion, streetscape and sidewalk improvements, incubator spaces, small business and entrepreneurial support, and parks.
“The Michigan Talent Partnership Program is a shining example of how the MEDC’s placemaking efforts contribute to the vibrancy and economic prosperity of our communities across the state,” said the MEDC’s SVP of Community Planning and Development Readiness, Michele Wildman. “These grants will help improve the quality of life for residents of Ann Arbor, Detroit, Grand Rapids, Houghton, Lansing, and Mt. Pleasant, while also attracting new talent and increased activity.”
“Michigan’s future depends on strong communities and a growing population,” said Jonathan Smith, senior chief deputy director for LEO. “The Michigan Talent Partnership is about giving local leaders the tools to attract people, create opportunity, and build places where young people want to put down roots. When we invest in communities, we invest in Michigan’s long-term growth.”
Ann Arbor has been awarded $4.3 million to support Cultivate Midtown, a transformative placemaking project centered on the 350 Transit Hub. The funding will advance streetscape improvements, new public art, and the revitalization of the Blake Transit Center, positioning it as a central hub within a regional bus rapid transit network and strengthening Midtown as a more connected, vibrant gateway to the city.
“We are grateful to the State of Michigan for this investment in Ann Arbor and for recognizing the connection between talent, place, and opportunity. Ann Arbor offers an exceptionally high quality of life, and this grant helps ensure that more people, and a wider range of people, can both experience and contribute to that vitality by strengthening downtown as a place to live, work, and belong,” said Ann Arbor Mayor, Christopher Taylor. “We hope the success of this program demonstrates its value and supports continued investment in the years ahead.”
