MEDC’s commitment to community vibrancy highlighted in Michigan Main Street’s 2025 Impact Report

LANSING, Mich.– Since 2003, the Michigan Economic Development Corporation’s (MEDC) Michigan Main Street (MMS) program has assisted communities across Michigan interested in revitalizing and preserving their historic traditional downtowns or commercial districts. 

The MEDC’s MMS program includes 40 communities across four engagement levels, all working to add vibrancy to Michigan’s communities and improve the quality of life for Michiganders throughout the state. Of those, 23 communities currently participate at the Select and Master levels, receiving specialized technical assistance from the MEDC and are in partnership with Main Street America, the national coordinating program of Main Streets across the country. 

In its newly released 2025 Impact Report, numbers from 2024-25 highlight the MMS program’s ongoing success, including: 

• $9,179,872 in total private investment 

• $12,898,910 in total public investment 

• 93 new businesses 

• 29,220 volunteer hours 

• 83 façade and building improvements 

From interactive way-finding kiosks informing Southwest Detroit’s Mexicantown community to the family-friendly Friday Nights at Dusk summer event in Sault Ste. Marie, support through the MEDC’s MMS program enhanced communities across the state.  

“For over 20 years, Michigan Main Street communities have demonstrated that their collaborative, impact-driven approach to strengthening Michigan’s downtowns through small business investment, community revitalization and historic preservation creates vibrant and welcoming places that everyone can enjoy,” said MEDC SVP of Community Planning and Development Readiness Michele Wildman. “With the tools available through the Michigan Main Street program, communities across Michigan are proving the success and economic vitality that comes from investing in our downtowns.” 

2025 was also a notable year for the program as six MMS communities achieved notable anniversaries: Historic North End Main Street in Detroit and Main Street Grosse Pointe (five years); Howell Main Street (10 years); Wayland Main Street and Downtown Lansing Inc. (15 years); and Grand Haven Main Street (20 years). These milestones highlight the impact of the MEDC’s placemaking efforts to support the continued success of the state’s downtown and neighborhood commercial districts.  

“At Main Street America, we’ve seen how strong statewide coordinating programs multiply the impact of local Main Street efforts. Michigan Main Street truly stands out as a model for success across our national network,” said Erin Barnes, CEO of Main Street America. “By aligning state, regional and local partners, Michigan’s coordinating program provides the structure, technical expertise, and shared learning that help communities strengthen their downtowns in lasting ways. This coordinated approach supports inclusive economic growth, attracts investment and ensures that local leaders have the tools they need to respond to both challenges and opportunities. Michigan’s commitment to collaboration demonstrates what’s possible when programs work in tandem, setting a powerful example for how coordinated Main Street efforts can build resilient, vibrant downtowns across the country.”  

Main Street Vibrancy Grant Program

In support of the state’s Select and Master Level Main Street communities, the Main Street Vibrancy Grant Program provides grants of up to $15,000 for projects that enhance the vibrancy and economic vitality of Michigan Main Street downtowns.

Projects could include pop-up shop programs, implementation of a marketing or advertising campaign, physical improvements such as new seating, seasonal infrastructure, signage or art and other transformative projects that help create a sense of place and a more vibrant community. 

In June 2025, nine communities received Main Street Vibrancy Grants totaling $130,250 to support downtown enhancement and improvement projects: Rogers City, Grand Haven, Lapeer, Old Town – Lansing, Coldwater, Three Rivers, Blissfield, Saline and North End – Detroit. These awarded projects, ranging from community spaces to a historic walking tour, are expected to support small businesses and drive pride in our Main Streets across Michigan

Learn how the MEDC supports communities across the state of Michigan.  

About Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC)

The Michigan Economic Development Corporation is the state’s marketing arm and lead advocate for business development, job awareness and community development with the focus on growing Michigan’s economy. For more information on the MEDC and our initiatives, visit www.MichiganBusiness.org. For Pure Michigan® tourism information, your trip begins at www.michigan.org. Join the conversation on: Facebook Instagram LinkedIn, and Twitter.