Six Michigan Communities Receive Blueprints for Michigan's Downtowns Award

Keith Molin, interim executive director of the Michigan State Housing Development Authority (MSHDA) announced today the current round of Michigan communities to be selected by MSHDA to take part in the Blueprints for Michigan's Downtowns program. A total of six communities were selected to receive the Blueprints for Michigan's Downtowns award this year and they are; Gladwin, Hartford, Hillsdale, Ironwood, New Baltimore and Sparta

The communities selected through the Blueprints for Michigan's Downtowns program will receive a comprehensive, market-driven strategy toward developing an action-oriented downtown that will result in economic growth, job creation and private investments in their downtown communities.

"Programs like Blueprints for Michigan's Downtowns go a long way in helping revitalize traditional downtowns, making them more desirable places to live, work and invest," Molin said. "Economic vitality of our vibrant communities and cool cities is the cornerstone of continuing economic success for the entire state."

The Blueprints for Michigan's Downtowns program is part of Governor Granholm's Cool Cities Initiative to create vibrant communities in Michigan. These efforts are based on numerous recent studies showing that investing in our downtowns creates vibrant centers, making our state economically stronger.

Communities interested in obtaining information regarding the Blueprints for Michigan's Downtowns program are asked to contact Laura Krizov at MSHDA at (517) 241-4237.

MSHDA is a quasi-state agency that provides financial and technical assistance through public and private partnerships to create and preserve safe and decent affordable housing, engage in community economic development activities, and address homeless issues. MSHDA's loans and operating expenses are financed through the sale of tax-exempt and taxable bonds and notes to private investors, not from state tax revenues. For more information on MSHDA programs and initiatives, visit the Web site at www.michigan.gov/mshda.

SOURCE Michigan State Housing Development Authority

http://www.michigan.gov/mshda