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NILES — More than $2 million in revitalization and placemaking grants are heading to southwest Michigan as part of a statewide $25 million investment announced by Gov. Gretchen Whitmer’s office.

The Michigan Economic Development Corporation announced Wednesday Buchanan will receive $1 million and Cassopolis $1.2 million to make significant improvements to their communities.

The RAP program is a MEDC program that supports community revitalization needs in Michigan communities by investing in projects that promote population and tax revenue growth.

Cassopolis will use its grant for a downtown facade improvement program as well as a new trail that will connect downtown to the SMART Park. The plan is to eventually connect the SMART park to Dr. TK Lawless County Park.

Buchanan will use its grant to support the Buchanan Downtown Infrastructure and Placemaking Initiative. The new streetscapes and Adaptive Street portions of the project total over 50,000 sq. ft. of enhanced sense of place within the community. The area will be transformed with widened sidewalks, new amenities, community branding and a new “living streets” concept that will be a centerpiece of the project and will focus on community engagement and flexibility in the use of public space. 

“The Buchanan Downtown Infrastructure and Placemaking Initiative is the culmination of several years of community engagement focused on investing in and preserving our central business district,” said Buchanan Mayor Mark Weedon. “The new streetscape and public amenities will create space for community engagement with functional improvements that beautify the space and provide opportunities for flexibility of community and business use.”  

This latest round of RAP funding is being awarded to 27 applications and will support approximately 64 projects in 48 communities throughout the state, leveraging over $120 million in total investment in public spaces. The MEDC’s Place, Programs and Services team received 81 applications with a total funding request of $83,125,309, reflecting the continued interest and demand for resources that support the growth of vibrant, diverse, and resilient communities across the state.  

“Today’s grants underscore our commitment to the state’s Make It in Michigan economic development strategy, supporting the People, Places, and Projects that are integral to the growth of Michigan’s economy,” Gov. Whitmer said. “These investments will help create vibrant places that attract and retain talent, add critical housing, enable business creation and attraction, and provide resources for Michiganders and our communities. I will work with anyone and do anything to continue getting things done for our state.”  

Administered by MEDC, the RAP program provides access to gap financing for place-based infrastructure development, real estate rehabilitation and development, and public space improvements. Eligible applicants are individuals or entities working to rehabilitate vacant, underutilized, blighted and historic structures and the development of permanent place-based infrastructure associated with traditional downtowns, social-zones, outdoor dining and placed-based public spaces. 

“The MEDC is proud to celebrate the places that make our state great and excited to see the impact these RAP grants have on our communities,” said MEDC Chief Place Officer Michele Wildman. “Thanks to Governor Whitmer and the Michigan legislature’s support for this program, the revitalization and placemaking efforts in communities across our two peninsulas will create meaningful opportunity for every Michigander who calls our state home.”