West Michigan economic development agencies seeking bids for state’s $75 million Revitalization and Placemaking program

Regional economic development organizations The Right Place, Inc., Lakeshore Advantage and Greater Muskegon Economic Development Corporation are seeking public-placemaking projects to include in a regional grant application for the Revitalization and Placemaking (RAP) program.

Launched in 2022 by the Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC), the RAP program has $75 million in funds available to support gap financing for place-based infrastructure development, real estate rehabilitation and development, and public space improvements throughout the state. The West Michigan partner agencies are seeking applications from all 13 counties in Michigan’s Prosperity Region 4 area (Allegan, Barry, Ionia, Kent, Lake, Mason, Mecosta, Montcalm, Muskegon, Newaygo, Oceana, Osceola, and Ottawa).

The group’s regional application will focus on public space and place-based infrastructure. Grants of up to $500,000 for projects are possible under this program and require a minimum 50% match from each sub-applicant.

Examples of projects that can be submitted for consideration include, but are not limited to downtown pocket parks, waterfront activation sites, innovative spaces for pop-up markets, and public art installations.

An online project submission form is live until December 6, 2024, at 5 pm. More information is available here. This intake form will enable an initial evaluation of projects against the scoring criteria specified by the MEDC.

View the MEDC’s project eligibility requirements and considerations here.

"By working together as partners, we amplify our impact in West Michigan. This collaboration creates a powerful regional force, ensuring West Michigan is a magnet for talent and a hub for opportunity through placemaking." - Marla Schneider, President and CEO, Greater Muskegon Economic Development.

“Being awarded two successful rounds of funding, we’ve been able to provide support for over 20 public placemaking projects throughout West Michigan. Projects like these contribute significantly to our region’s quality of life, and we’re excited to lead another regional application for RAP.” - Tim Mroz, Senior Vice President, Community Development, The Right Place, Inc.

"Partnerships are the cornerstone of economic development in West Michigan. Together, we are building a foundation of support that allows our communities to thrive, innovate, and expand. Our collaborative efforts on this program will set the stage for a stronger, more vibrant economy." - Jennifer Owners, President, Lakeshore Advantage.