The Right Place, Lakeshore Advantage and Greater Muskegon Economic Development looking to help secure funding for projects within 13 county region
GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. – Regional economic development organizations The Right Place, Inc., Lakeshore Advantage and Greater Muskegon Economic Development 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).
“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,” says Jennifer Owners, president of Lakeshore Advantage. “Our collaborative efforts on this program will set the stage for a stronger, more vibrant economy.”
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.
“By working together as partners, we amplify our impact in West Michigan,” expressed Marla Schneider, president and CEO of Greater Muskegon Economic Development. “This collaboration creates a powerful regional force, ensuring West Michigan is a magnet for talent and a hub for opportunity through placemaking.”
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.
“Being awarded two successful rounds of funding, we’ve been able to provide support for over 20 public placemaking projects throughout West Michigan,” said Tim Mroz, senior vice president of community development at The Right Place, Inc. “Projects like these contribute significantly to our region’s quality of life, and we’re excited to lead another regional application for RAP.”
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.