CATeam Programs

Cool Cities - Blueprints for Michigan's Neighborhoods

Overview

Successful neighborhood revitalization requires broad, inclusive, thoughtful planning. The Blueprints for Michigan’s Neighborhoods program helps stakeholders from neighborhoods adjacent to downtowns create those plans. Successful revitalization is more than the sum of discreet projects. Rather, it is a carefully thought out initiative that strengthens the neighborhood as a “neighborhood of choice,” a place where people are willing and able to invest themselves and their resources in homes, businesses, and in the neighborhood. Strong neighborhoods linked closely with commercial districts are key to keeping downtowns vibrant. Not only will successful applicants work with experts to develop a successful neighborhood revitalization strategy, but their neighborhood will benefit from the designation as a “Cool Cities Neighborhood”.

The Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC) will work with the Michigan State Housing Development Authority (MSHDA) and the State Historic Preservation Office (SHPO) and will select a nationally recognized market-based neighborhood revitalization consultant. The four selected communities will contract with that consultant and will be responsible for payment for all consulting services. This consulting firm will immerse itself in the neighborhood, working closely with residents and other stakeholders to create market-based strategies for neighborhood revitalization. After achieving certain milestones in the revitalization process, the community will be eligible for Community Development Block Grant funds to assist in the neighborhood revitalization work.

Goal

The Cool Cities Blueprints for Michigan’s Neighborhoods program was created to develop a model approach for communities, to help them plan for and implement the revitalization of neighborhoods adjacent to their downtowns.

Objectives of MEDC

1. Select four (4) communities in 2005 to participate in the program.
2. Increase the use of neighborhood revitalization tools such as the Neighborhood Empowerment Zone (NEZ) program, and historic tax credits for buildings and single family homes in order to revitalize these core neighborhoods.

Eligible Communities

Core Communities that have a low/mod income neighborhood (in other words, at least 51% of the residents of the neighborhood have incomes at or below 80% of the area median, as defined by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development are eligible to apply.