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.
Time-Sensitive Funding Opportunities
Organics Infrastructure Grant Program (EGLE)
- Who It’s For: Local governments, nonprofits, schools, regional agencies, and businesses
- Deadline: August 14, 2026
- Key Details: $2 million available to support food waste collection, composting, and organics processing infrastructure.
Request for Proposals | EGLE Grants Webpage
Food Rescue Grant Program (EGLE)
- Who It’s For: Local governments, nonprofits, regional agencies, and businesses
- Deadline: August 14, 2026
- Key Details: $3 million available for projects that expand food rescue, food donation, and edible food recovery efforts across Michigan.
Request for Proposals | EGLE Grants Webpage
Clean Energy Workforce Development Program (EGLE)
Who It’s For: Nonprofits, business organizations, and eligible employers
- Deadline: August 30, 2026
- Key Details: Funding available to support workforce training programs, apprenticeships, and career pathways that strengthen Michigan’s clean energy workforce.
SBA Disaster Relief Assistance Available in Allegan County
- Who It’s For: Businesses, nonprofits, homeowners, and renters impacted by the April severe weather event in Allegan County
- Deadline: Ongoing assistance available; apply as soon as possible
- Key Details: The U.S. Small Business Administration is offering low-interest disaster loans to eligible applicants. In-person assistance is available at the Gun Plain Township Disaster Resource Center, located at Gun Plain Township Fire Department, 381 8th Street, Plainwell.
LSA Housing Update
At the close of July, Lakeshore Advantage is tracking the proposed creation of 2,371 housing units across 12 communities in the region.
Housing News, Events, and Resources
Michigan Expands Redevelopment and Housing Tools: New state laws extend local incentives for rehabilitating commercial properties, expand support for brownfield redevelopment and establish an affordable-housing tax credit expected to support approximately 2,500 new units annually. The changes give communities and developers more options to move challenging projects forward while preserving local decision-making. Read the Michigan Municipal League Summary.
Last Call for the 2026 West Michigan Housing Summit
August 6 | GVSU’s Richard M. DeVos Center
The event brings together housing leaders, elected officials, developers, advocates, and nonprofit partners for regional conversation and five breakout sessions focused on housing needs and solutions.
https://grandrapids.org/event/west-michigan-housing-summit-2026/
Fair Housing Best Practices Webinar
August 18 | Virtual
The Fair Housing Center of West Michigan will be hosting a free webinar, “Fair Housing Best Practices: Meeting the Needs of People with Disabilities,” on August 18th from 1:00-2:30pm. This virtual training will provide an overview of federal fair housing laws and best practices for disability protections.
Center for Community Progress Reclaiming Vacant Properties Conference
September 22-25 | Pittsburgh
The Reclaiming Vacant Properties Conference (RVP) is the only national event dedicated to tackling vacant, abandoned, and deteriorated properties and advancing community revitalization. The event brings together leaders from local government, nonprofits, land banks, real estate, and other organizations for discussion and hands-on workshops pertinent to property revitalization.
https://communityprogress.org/rvp26/
More Events, News, and Resources Across the Region
MEDA Economic Summit
August 5-7 | Detroit
The Michigan Economic Developers Association (MEDA) is hosting its annual Economic Summit in Detroit this August 5-7. This event is MEDA’s biggest education and networking event of the year, with educational sessions and opportunities for connection.
https://www.michiganbusiness.org/events/meda-economic-summit/
Opportunity Zones 2.0 Stakeholder Engagement
MEDC continues to seek input as Michigan prepares nominations for Opportunity Zones 2.0. Community leaders, local governments, and development stakeholders are encouraged to participate in upcoming engagement opportunities, including a statewide virtual session on August 4, to help shape future investment opportunities across eligible communities.
Disasters and Recovery in Rural Communities Roundtables
The Michigan Office of Rural Prosperity is hosting a series of virtual roundtables in August for county, city, village, township, and nonprofit leaders. Discussions will focus on disaster preparedness, response, recovery, and lessons learned from recent events affecting rural Michigan. Registration is available through the Michigan Office of Rural Prosperity’s roundtable series.
Register for the session that best aligns with your role:
- Aug. 18 | 11:30 a.m. – City and village leadership, including administrators, managers, supervisors, clerks, emergency personnel and Department of Public Works staff
- Aug. 19 | 3 p.m. – Township leadership, including administrators, managers, supervisors, clerks, emergency personnel and Department of Public Works staff
Michigan Sustainability Conference (MISCON)
Registration is open for the Michigan Sustainability Conference (MISCON), taking place September 9–10 in Lansing. The conference brings together local governments, businesses, community leaders, and sustainability professionals to share best practices, network, and learn about emerging sustainability initiatives.
Local Wins & Celebrations
City of Fennville’s New Amphitheater
The City of Fennville recently celebrated the opening of its new amphitheater and splash pad as part of ongoing downtown revitalization efforts. The new public spaces were unveiled during a summer kickoff event featuring performers and community celebration. If you’re in the area, take a stroll downtown and see what’s new!
30 new for-sale homes move forward in Hudsonville
In June, the City of Hudsonville Planning Commission voted to approve a Planned Unit Development (PUD) for Wooded Way Townhomes. The project is located at 3662 Highland Drive and will create 30 new for-sale housing units.
City of Grand Haven Approves Revitalization of Centertown Property
This month, the City of Grand Haven voted to approve a revised TIF request for the proposed redevelopment of the Centertown Flatiron Building. The project will revitalize the property on the corner of Washington Avenue with a new, three-story mixed-use building, add public benches, bicycle racks, and informational kiosks, along with five new housing units.
