LANSING, MI (WTVB) – The City of Coldwater along with Adrian and Rogers City have been selected by the Michigan Economic Development Corporation to take part in the Select Level of the Michigan Main Street Program.
Governor Gretchen Whitmer joined the Michigan E.D.C. in making the announcement on Thursday.
According to a press release issued by the Governor’s office, Coldwater, Adrian and Rogers City will get five years of intensive technical assistance from the M.E.D.C. with a focus on revitalization strategies designed to attract new residents, business investments, economic growth and job creation to their central business districts.
There are now 27 communities in the state taking part in the program.
The City of Coldwater has been looking to become a Michigan Main Street Community for about two years. It’s hoped grants from the program can be used to help small local businesses in the downtown area.
The Main Street area in Coldwater would generally cover the area bordered by Pierson, Washington, Jefferson and Taylor.
Coldwater Economic Development Coordinator Audrey Tappenden says, “The city of Coldwater is thrilled to be chosen as a Select Level community. The Downtown Development Authority board and city staff have engaged with community stakeholders, volunteers, and donors to build support for the Main Street 4-Point Approach. We can’t wait to start working with Michigan Main Street program specialists to develop transformation strategies for our downtown.”
She told the Downtown Development Authority Board on Wednesday a large amount of money was raised in support of the program.
Tappenden said they got a lot of backing locally.
Whitmer stated, “Now more than ever, it is vital that our communities take a common-sense approach toward strengthening their core commercial districts and driving growth in the community as Michigan’s economic recovery continues. With the support of the Main Street program and the MEDC, I believe we can positively transform the downtowns and commercial districts in communities to ensure their place on Michigan’s path toward our future.”
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