06/14/2022 | Press release | Distributed by Public on 06/14/2022 14:11
Department to fund projects aimed at revitalizing or creating public spaces in downtowns
Macomb County Planning and Economic Development (MCPED) today 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:
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.
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