Revitalization and Placemaking (RAP) Program
The Revitalization and Placemaking 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.
Through the Revitalization and Placemaking (RAP) program the MEDC partners with local communities to proactively address revitalization needs by investing in projects that promote population and tax revenue growth. These investments help create the environment necessary to attract and retain talent, add new housing options, enable business creation and attraction, and provide resources for Michigan citizens and communities.
Performance-based RAP grants are currently available for real estate redevelopment projects and can be applied for on a rolling basis as funds are available. View program guidelines, applications and more:
- RAP program guidelines
- RAP application downloaded
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Questions about the RAP program may be directed to [email protected]
$25 Million in Statewide Placemaking Grants Support Vibrant Communities, Encourage Population Growth
On May 7, 2025, Governor Gretchen Whitmer joined MEDC in announcing approval of $25 million in grant funding for projects across the state of Michigan through the latest round of the Revitalization and Placemaking program. For this round 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.
RAP Program Background
The first iteration of the Revitalization and Placemaking (RAP) Program, launched in 2022, was an incentive program that deployed $100 million in American Rescue Plan funding to address the COVID-19 impacts in Michigan communities. The 2022 program, referred to as RAP 1.0, has selected successful applicants. With all ARPA funds encumbered, projects will be in progress through 2026.
The second round of the Revitalization and Placemaking program, referred to as RAP 2.0, received an appropriation of $100 million in the budget supplemental SB 7 signed by Gov. Whitmer on Feb. 1, 2023, demonstrating the great need identified for placemaking and building rehabilitation investment. As part of RAP 1.0, MEDC received approximately $500 million in applications for $100 million in appropriated funding.
Future Revitalization and Placemaking Program funding is dependent on the availability of income tax revenue deposited into the Revitalization and Placemaking Fund and appropriated for this program as described in Section 696 of the Income Tax Act of 1967. Awards may be made based on individual applications or based on funding rounds.
Learn more about the RAP legacy programs and compliance below. For additional questions or to learn more information on RAP programs contact your community development manager.
Growth through Revitalization: Building Places People Love
Placemaking is a cornerstone of the “Make It in Michigan” economic development strategy; attractive places and thriving communities welcome businesses to grow and people to live. The RAP program is a key component of the toolkit that the MEDC uses to enhance places, and thanks to its support, communities across the state are experiencing the benefits: beautiful public spaces, increased housing and commercial real estate, and adaptive reuse of historic structures.
