July 2026
Communities across the Lakeshore region are navigating opportunities and decisions that shape community vitality, infrastructure and long-term growth. This bulletin is designed to help local government leaders quickly identify timely resources, funding opportunities and planning tools that support informed decision-making across the Lakeshore region. This month’s resources include placemaking funding, data-center planning tools, public-engagement guidance and recognition for local downtown investment.
Funding Opportunities & Resources
Patronicity Lighter, Quicker, Cheaper Challenge Grant
Communities with public-facing projects that are affordable, flexible and quick to implement may be eligible for the Patronicity Lighter, Quicker, Cheaper Challenge Grant. The program supports small-scale placemaking efforts, including projects that activate public spaces, strengthen community identity or improve access and engagement. Eligible projects may compete for up to $5,000 in additional grant funding through a crowdfunding campaign. Campaigns must conclude by July 31, 2026.
Learn more about eligibility and apply
Affordable Housing Forum: Low Income Housing Tax Credits (LIHTC) and the Qualified Allocation Program
Join Community Economic Development Association of Michigan (CEDAM) on August 4 in Lansing for a session designed to help communities and partners interested in better understanding LIHTC application expectations, the Qualified Allocation Plan, and related MSHDA programs. Registration closes July 28, 2026.
Data Center Planning Resources for Communities
Data-center development continues to be an important topic for communities across Michigan. These projects can bring significant investment and technological capacity, but they also require thoughtful consideration of infrastructure, land use, utilities and long-term community impacts. Michigan-based partners have developed several resources to help local leaders begin or advance those conversations:
- Data Center Interest Self-Assessment: A five-question starting point to help local officials consider their community’s potential for data-center development and the urgency of local planning conversations.
- Data Centers in Michigan: Overview Guide: A practical primer on common impacts, key facts and considerations for communities navigating data-center proposals.
- MSU Quello Center: Emerging Digital Infrastructures: Learn more about Michigan State University’s work on emerging digital infrastructure, policy and planning considerations.
Community Engagement
The MEDC Redevelopment Ready Communities Engagement Toolkit offers practical guidance for communities seeking to strengthen public engagement and build more inclusive planning processes. The toolkit can be useful for local leaders structuring meaningful community input around planning, redevelopment and other local priorities.
Opportunity Zones 2.0 Stakeholder Meetings
MEDC is gathering input on Opportunity Zones 2.0, a federal community development tax incentive. States have until the end of September to nominate up to 25% of eligible census tracts. Local stakeholders are encouraged to share feedback and recommendations through regional engagement sessions. The Grand Rapids (West Michigan – Region 4) stakeholder meeting will take place July 21. Developers, investors and community members are encouraged to attend.
New housing data: 2026 State of the Nation’s Housing Report
Harvard’s Joint Center for Housing Studies released its 2026 State of the Nation’s Housing Report, which provides a national look at housing market conditions and affordability. This year’s findings point to slower market activity, slower household growth, and rising cost burdens across income levels.
Michigan AI Workforce Trends
Artificial intelligence is reshaping workforce needs across industries and communities. The State of Michigan’s AI and the Workforce: Phase 2 presentation provides statewide data and context on AI-related workforce trends, skills and training considerations.
Local Wins:
Grand Haven approves South Village redevelopment support
Congratulations to the City of Grand Haven on City Council’s June 15 approval of a TIF request for South Village, a planned 118-unit redevelopment of the former Dake Corporation site along Robbins Road. The project will include a mix of for-sale and for-rent homes, with 24 units income-restricted. Lakeshore Advantage was glad to support this effort alongside City leadership and the developer, IMD Capital.
Match on Main Awards
Congratulations to five Lakeshore region communities and businesses that received FY26 Match on Main funding through the Michigan Economic Development Corporation. The program provides grants of up to $25,000 to help eligible place-based businesses launch or grow in downtowns and commercial districts.
- Hudsonville DDA: 317 Coffee
- City of Plainwell: Nine Moons, LLC
- City of Zeeland: La Crème
- Grand Haven Main Street DDA: Tip-A-Few Tavern
- City of Fennville DDA: Root Coffeehouse
Vista Green Neighborhood celebrated with ribbon cutting
Jubilee Ministries and Lakeshore Habitat for Humanity celebrated the completion of Vista Green, a 42-unit affordable housing neighborhood, with a June 29 ribbon cutting. The event included walking tours, refreshments, and family-friendly activities.
