Mt. Clemens, MI - Macomb County Planning and Economic Development (MCPED) has announced its new Placemaking Mini Grant opportunity, a program which will fund projects in traditional downtown communities and other established DDA jurisdictions.
The grant aims to assist local initiatives that activate public placemaking, or places where people gather and spend time, and that support the sustainability and greening of infrastructure and stormwater systems.
“We know that beautiful spaces with well designed infrastructure can be a major asset for municipalities, as they attract residents, businesses and additional investment,” said Amanda Minaudo, program director for MCPED. “But ultimately, our goal is to help create community and fund projects with vision and purpose.”
Projects that fit this description would include, but are not limited to:
- Streetscape beautification and walkability
- Public plaza development/enhancement
- Access and connectivity to public amenities (riverwalks, canoe livery, pier enhancements)
- Farmers markets, pop-up retail/incubator space (community or non-profit)
- Alley rehabilitation/greening
- Green and sustainable infrastructure (rain gardens, bioswales, pollinator gardens, etc.)
- Park enhancements
- Non-motorized infrastructure (benches, bike racks, repair stations, wayfinding signage, etc.)
- Band shells, amphitheaters, outdoor community theaters
- Place branding and event implementation
- Murals and public art
The projects must also be located in Macomb County’s traditional downtowns and other established DDA jurisdictions. The following communities are therefore eligible: Village of Armada (DDA), Center Line (DDA), Eastpointe (DDA), Mount Clemens (DDA), New Baltimore (DDA), Richmond (DDA), Village of Romeo (DDA), Roseville (DDA), Saint Clair Shores (Nautical Mile & 9/Mack), Shelby Township (DDA), Warren (DDA) and Utica (downtown area).
“Our department is thrilled to offer this new opportunity to our municipalities and we hope that local leaders see the value in the program,” Minaudo said. “There are a lot of really creative ways to address placemaking in communities and this funding opens up everyone’s ability to take a chance and try something new.”
Eligible projects must have a minimum total development cost of $10,000, where the recipient will commit to a 50 percent match for the project. This match can be in the form of in-kind work, crowdfunding, funding from community partners or allocated dollars from the community/DDA. The maximum award for these grant funds will be $20,000. MCPED is seeking to fund one to two projects per fiscal year.
“We also hope that applicants establish public awareness for their desired projects and gain some local momentum with their residents,” said John Culcasi, senior planner, MCPED. “These types of initiatives can affect the lives and well-being of entire communities, so it’s essential that there is some grassroots support.”
The grant application, evaluation criteria and additional information is available here. The application period opens June 14 and closes July 19, with funding awarded August 1. Learn more about Macomb County Planning and Economic Development at ped.macombgov.org/PED-Home.
About Macomb County Planning and Economic Development
The Macomb County Department of Planning & Economic Development supports an environment where businesses prosper and people thrive. Its activities and programs are focused on stimulating the local economy through business retention, expansion and attraction while improving the overall quality of life for residents. The department specializes in providing services to businesses at all stages of development with a concentration on the high-growth industries of aerospace, alternative energy, advanced manufacturing, defense and homeland security. For more information, call 586-469-5285 or visit: https://ped.macombgov.org/Ped-Home